Triclaria

A surname of Artemis in Achaea. According to a story, Comaetho, a priestess, and her lover Melanippus copulated in her sanctuary. This incurred the wrath of Artemis, and she sent a plague and famine to the country. An oracle decreed that in order to be delivered from this ordeal, the people must sacrifice the couple to the goddess. In addition, each year a sacrifice of the fairest maiden and the handsomest youth should be made until a foreign deity was introduced to them by a stranger.

This continued until Eurypylus, following the advise of another oracle and carrying a chest with the image of Dionysus, came upon them and brought an end to their yearly sacrifices.

In her honor the Ionians used to celebrate every year a festival and an all-night vigil. The priesthood of the goddess
was held by a maiden until the time came for her to be sent to a husband.

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