Synopses & Reviews
The oracles are one of the great mysteries of the ancient world. Doorways to the underworld, foretellers of the future, decision-makers for kings and paupers alike, their power and mysticism held sway over civilisations and continues to capture the imagination. Two thousand years after the oracles were consulted by the ancients, Philipp Vandenberg set out on a quest to learn the mysteries of the oracles and uncover one of the best-kept secrets in antiquity. His journey involved 3 years, 15 oracles and countless revelations. The quest and what it uncovered proves at times shocking and disturbing and ultimately reveals a wealth of hidden knowledge about the ancient world: who, or what, really influenced some of the most consequential decisions of the time and fundamentally altered the course of history itself.
Review
"Vandenberg's lively and carefully researched book covers practically all of the well-known oracles of antiquity."--Joe Alex Morris,
Greenwich Time "Accounts of the major achievements of the great archaeologists have spawned scores of best-selling books. The result [of Philipp Vandenberg's book] is engrossing."--Houston Post
"A history filled with chicanery, treachery, deceit, cupidity, violence and even beauty, love and compassion. Philipp Vandenberg's Oracles may be safely consulted for hours of delightful and startling reading."--San Diego Magazine
Synopsis
The oracles are one of the great mysteries of the ancient world. Doorways to the underworld, foretellers of the future, decision-makers for kings and paupers alike, their power and mysticism held sway over civilisations and continues to capture the imagination. Two thousand years after the oracles were consulted by the ancients, Philipp Vandenberg set out on a quest to learn the mysteries of the oracles and uncover one of the best-kept secrets in antiquity. His journey involved 3 years, 15 oracles and countless revelations. The quest and what it uncovered proves at times shocking and disturbing and ultimately reveals a wealth of hidden knowledge about the ancient world: who, or what, really influenced some of the most consequential decisions of the time and fundamentally altered the course of history itself.
About the Author
Philipp Vandenberg is an internationally acclaimed archaeological writer. His first book, The Curse of the Pharaohs, became a bestseller and was the first of many popular books on similar themes including Nefertiti, The Golden Pharaoh and The Forgotten Pharaoh. He is one of Germany's most successful authors and his books have been translated into 33 languages.
Table of Contents
The Oracle of the Dead on the Acheron * The Artificial Voices of Dodona * The Prophets of the Oasis of Siwa * The Riddle of Didyma * Claros--the Oracle of a Thousand Names * Delphi--the Mysterious Navel of the World * When the Pythia Sat on the Tripod * Gods, Priests and Charlatans * Croesus--the man Who Bought the Future * Even Gods Can be Bribed * How Oracles Decided Battles * The Dream Factories of Oropus, Epidaurus and Lebadea * The Forgotten Oracles * The Forebodings of the Sibyls * If Caesar had Believed his Soothsayer * The End of the Prophets * Notes * Index