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3 months ago in Ancient History , Archaeology By Raghu
Pythia at Delphi and the vapors from the ground evidences
I’ve always heard that the Pythia at Delphi went into trances because of vapors from the ground. Is there any real evidence that she was intoxicated by gases, or is this just a myth?
All Answers (2 Answers In All)
By Pranav Answered 2 months ago
Replied 2 months ago
By Raghu
Thank you, this is really helpful Pranav.
Reply to Pranav
By John Koshy Answered 1 month ago
There’s also evidence from archaeology and ancient texts that the Pythia used ritual practices—such as inhaling vapors from chasms or sitting on a tripod—before giving prophecies. Some scholars think these physical and ritual conditions amplified a naturally trance-like state, even without strong intoxicating gases. So it could be a mix of environmental, physiological, and ceremonial factors that produced her prophetic demeanor.
Replied 1 month ago
By Raghu
Thanks a lot! I hadn’t considered the ritual aspect combined with natural causes. That really helps explain why she might enter trances without needing a “mystical” explanation.
Reply to John Koshy
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