Page "Pythia" Paragraph 17

Several other officials served the oracle in addition to the Pythia.

After 200 BC at any given time there were two priests of Apollo, who were in charge of the entire sanctuary ; Plutarch, who served as a priest during the late first century and early second century AD, gives us the most information about the organization of the oracle at that time.

Before 200 BC, while the temple was dedicated to Apollo, there was probably only one priest of Apollo.

Priests were chosen from among the main citizens of Delphi, and were appointed for life.

In addition to overseeing the oracle, priests would also conduct sacrifices at other festivals of Apollo, and had charge of the Pythian games.

Earlier arrangements, before the temple became dedicated to Apollo, are not documented.