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 "The ancient Oracle said that I was the wisest of all the Greeks. It is because I alone, of all the Greeks, know that I know nothing"
– Socrates

Game Info

  • + 3 Culture Culture Culture
  • 1 Free Social Policy

Strategy

The Oracle is a relatively unimportant wonder, but a free Social policy is always welcome. Try to build it if you happen to research Philosophy early.

Historical Info

In ancient Greek religion, an oracle was a priest or priestess through whom the gods spoke in response to questions. The oracle interpreted dreams, the actions of entranced persons, and physical signs found in the entrails of sacrificed animals. The most famous oracle resided in the shrine of Apollo at Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Greeks, Romans, and others consulted this oracle for centuries about public policy and private matters. A priestess called the Pythia would, for a fee, make public predictions for the future. These ecstatic pronouncements became infamous for their ambiguity.

Trivia

There also was the Oracle of Delos, located at Delos in the Ionic sea. This oracle predated the classical Greek culture, but its location at an island made it hard to reach in time of need, particularly during wars. The Oracle of Delos originally held the Serpent Column, a gift of the Greeks after winning the wars against the Persians.

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