Latest / Ancient Greece: Philosophy, Democracy, and Endless War — Fexingo History
The Delphic Oracle How Priestesses Shaped Greek Politics
Before any major decision—found a colony, declare war, reform laws—Greek city-states consulted the Pythia, the priestess of Apollo at Delphi. This episode unpacks how the Oracle actually worked: the politics behind the prophecies, the selection of the Pythia, and the role of the Delphic Amphictyony in mediating conflicts. We explore famous consultations like Croesus's test, the Spartan response to Persian invasion, and Athens' reinterpretation of the 'wooden wall' prophecy before Salamis. We also address the contested theories about ethylene gas and geological fissures…
The skinny
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