Part 5: The Oracle's Advice (858 BC) The Oracle of Delphi: A Tale of Ancient Time
Sections (Navigate sections)
- The Oracle of Delphi (858 BC)
- The Oracle's Prophecies (858 BC)
- The King's Request (858 BC)
- The Journey to Delphi (858 BC)
- The Oracle's Advice (858 BC)
- The King's Return (858 BC)
- The Oracle's Wisdom (858 BC)
- The King's Decisions (858 BC)
- The Oracle's Legacy (858 BC)
- The King's Legacy (858 BC)
- The Oracle's Legacy Lives On (858 BC)
The Oracle of Delphi had been consulted by many people over the years, but none had ever been as important as King Croesus of Lydia. Croesus had come to the Oracle seeking advice on whether or not to go to war with the neighboring kingdom of Persia.
The Oracle was silent for a long time before finally speaking. “If you go to war with Persia, a great kingdom will be destroyed,” she said.
Croesus was taken aback. He had expected the Oracle to give him a more positive answer. He asked her what he should do instead.
The Oracle replied, “If you wish to avoid destruction, you must seek an alliance with Persia.”
Croesus was surprised by this advice. He had always thought of Persia as an enemy, not an ally. But he knew that the Oracle was wise and heeded her advice. He sent envoys to Persia to negotiate an alliance.
The alliance between Lydia and Persia was successful and it lasted for many years. Croesus was grateful to the Oracle for her advice, which had saved his kingdom from destruction.
The Oracle of Delphi had once again proven her worth as a source of wise counsel. Her advice had been invaluable to Croesus and his kingdom.