The Oracle of Delphi

The Oracle of Delphi was one of the most famous people in ancient Greece. She was a priestess who lived at a temple in the town of Delphi. People believed she could speak the words of the god Apollo. Kings, soldiers, and regular people came to ask her questions. She told them what she thought would happen in the future.

The Temple at Delphi

Delphi is high up on a mountain in Greece. The ancient Greeks thought it was the center of the world. They built a big temple there for the god Apollo. The priestess who spoke for Apollo was called the Pythia. People came from far away just to hear her words. They brought her gifts and treasures.

Strange Answers

The Pythia would sit on a special stool inside the temple. People said she breathed in strange air from a crack in the ground. Then she would speak in a funny voice. Priests would write down her words. Her answers were often hard to understand. People had to guess what they meant.

Fun Facts

• The Oracle gave advice for over 1,000 years.
• Scientists found gases in the ground that may have made the Pythia feel dizzy.
• Kings often brought expensive gold gifts to please the Oracle.

Did You Know?

Once the Oracle told a king that if he went to war, a great empire would fall. He went to war, and the empire that fell was his own.