In
Greek mythology and
legendary history,
Callithyia (also
Callithoe,
Callithea, or
Io), "the best among women as well as among men", was the daughter of Peiras or Peiranthus (himself son of
Argus) and the first priestess of
Argive Hera in history. Her father was credited with founding the first temple of Hera in
Argolis, as well as with carving a wooden image of the goddess for the sanctuary; it was at this temple that Callithyia performed her duties as priestess.
Scholia on Aratus mention her as the inventor of the chariot and the mother of
Trochilus.
