The Oracle of Delphi was dedicated to the god Apollo.
From the Latin oracŭlum , the oracle is a divine response that reaches people through priests or other ministers. This response can even be reflected through physical signs or symbols that are interpreted by specialists.
The place where this type of query is made and the answer is received is also known as an oracle. The Greeks had numerous oracles that were visited and consulted by the leaders to make the most important decisions. This Greek tradition continued in Roman times.
The Oracle of Delphi and others from Ancient Greece
The Oracle of Delphi , located next to Mount Parnassus , was one of the most important in antiquity. The place, consecrated to the god Apollo , was considered the navel of the world; That is why it presents a sculpted stone called omphalium ( "navel" ).
However, although the one at Delphi is perhaps the best-known oracle of those that existed in antiquity, we cannot overlook others of great significance and value. This would be the case, for example, of the Oracle of Olympia, which was a temple where honors were paid to Zeus.
In the same way, there is also the Oracle of Dodona, which is considered the second most important after that of Delphi. The area dedicated to both Zeus and Dione, the Mother Goddess, was located in the area of the Pindus Mountains.
Similar sites in Egypt, Rome and other regions
However, in addition to the above, we must not forget that not only the Greeks had oracles but also other cultures and civilizations. Thus, for example, in the case of Egypt, one of the most important was Siwa, which was erected in honor of the god Amun-Ra and which has the privilege of having been used by illustrious figures such as Alexander the Great.
In the case of the Romans, in addition to those they had inherited from the Greeks, it is worth highlighting those others that were established. Among them is, for example, that of the Sibyl of Cumae.
Phoenicians and Hebrews also had their own oracles and the same thing happens much more frequently with the Yoruba, who are an African people. Specifically, their evolution has led to the availability of various instruments to obtain information from the oracle: coconuts, kola seeds or snails.
The divine response that is interpreted from physical signs or symbols is also known as an oracle.
Oracles and fortune tellers
The fortune teller was in charge of interceding between men and the divinities. Some oracles had more than one fortune teller to answer people's numerous queries.
The fortune tellers were women of impeccable conduct who, once appointed, stayed to live in the oracle and held their position for life.
a wise person
In everyday language, an oracle is usually considered a subject who is listened to with respect for his wisdom and experience.
For example: “My grandfather is the oracle of the family: when there is a meeting or meeting, we all sit around him to listen to his advice,” “The captain of the team must be the oracle of the youngest ones,” “That's it .” of retirement age, but Don Atilio continues to be the oracle of this company.”