THEMISTOCLEA

Themistoclea (also known as Aristoclea or Theoclea) was a priestess of Delphi who lived in the 6th century BC. She was a teacher of Pythagoras.

According to the philosopher Aristoxenus (4th century BC), Themistoclea was known for her mathematical knowledge and taught at the temple of Apollo at Delphi to anyone who was willing to learn. Such was her love for geometry that she is said to have decorated the temple with geometric designs.

Pythagoras mentioned her as his teacher and is said to have received knowledge from her regarding ethics, geometry and arithmetic. According to Aristoxenus, his respect for his teacher was such that it later prompted him to accept women into his School as students and teachers.

Although Themistoclea was very well known in her time, today we unfortunately know very little about her.