Pythian Omphalos
Pythian Omphalos
The Pythian Omphalos is a mystical object that indicates the "navel of the world". The focus of the world periodically changes, which causes the Omphalos to relocate. The Pythian Academy has relocated to remain near the Omphalos.
Delphi Period
The oldest known records of the Pythian Omphalos begins in Delphi, where the Oracle was seated for several centuries.
Alexandra Period
Ravenna Period
The Pythian Omphalos appeared in Ravenna in AD 402, when the capital of the Western Roman Empire was transfered from Milan to Ravenna. With the fall of Ravenna in 493, and the founding of the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy, the Pythian Omphalos vanished for many years.
Venice Period
By the time the Republic of Venice was founded in 697, the Pythian Omphalos had been rediscovered and the Pythian Academy founded.