Consultation of Pythia Kylix

Question 1

When is the kylix dated to?

Answer 1

440-430 BC

Question 2

What does the kylix depict?

Answer 2

The Pythia sitting on her tripod, holding a laurel branch and a libation bowl, before her is a wreathed consultant

Question 3

What is the significance of the kylix?

Answer 3

Shows how the oracle at Delphi was consulted

Question 4

What does the kylix tell us about the consultation of the Pythia?

Answer 4

Doric column= indoors; may be in dark- no torches; staring into libation bowl may be how prophecy was revealed; religious context of activity= seated on tripod and veiled head; chewing of laurel leaves; oracle was a woman

Question 5

What is a kylix?

Answer 5

A drinking cup

Question 6

Who might the consultant represent?

Answer 6

Aigeus, mythical king of Athens, or priest there to interpret response of Pythia- wearing special clothing

Question 7

What are the issues with the kylix?

Answer 7

Don’t have other depictions of the Pythia to compare to; on bottom of a drinking cup so may be simplified; if scene of myth (Themis and Aigeus) may not be realistic or reliable

Question 8

Where was the kylix found and what does this signify?

Answer 8

Italy- colonisers keeping a sense of their cultural identity