These were the great offerings that King Croesus sent to the oracle of Delphi. He believed strongly in the power of the gods and trusted their guidance. In addition to Delphi, Croesus also sent valuable gifts to the shrine of Amphiaraus. He knew the story of Amphiaraus well, including his bravery and his tragic fate, and he respected him deeply.
To honor Amphiaraus, Croesus sent a shield made entirely of pure gold. He also sent a spear that was fully made of gold, including both the spearhead and the shaft. These gifts were symbols of strength, courage, and royal wealth. At the time this account was written, these golden weapons could still be seen in the city of Thebes. They were kept safely in the temple of Apollo Ismenius, where visitors could admire them many years after Croesus had sent them Croesus Honors the God of Delphi.
Instructions Given to the Messengers
The messengers who were trusted with carrying these treasures received very clear instructions from the king. Their task was not only to deliver the gifts but also to ask important questions on Croesus’ behalf. Croesus was considering a serious decision that could change the future of his kingdom. He wanted to know whether he should go to war against the Persian Empire, which was growing in power.
In addition to asking about war, Croesus wanted advice on alliances. He asked whether he should strengthen his position by joining forces with another power. These questions were carefully prepared and were to be asked in exactly the same way at each oracle. Croesus believed that if the gods gave matching answers, their advice must be true.
Consulting the Oracles
When the messengers arrived at the sacred shrines, they first presented the rich gifts. After completing the proper rituals, they spoke the questions prepared by the king. They addressed the gods with great respect, praising the oracles and recognizing their wisdom Walking Tours Ephesus.
The message they delivered said that Croesus, ruler of Lydia and other lands, believed these shrines to be the only true oracles in the world. Because of this belief, he had sent valuable gifts as a reward for their past revelations. Now, he asked whether he should march against the Persians and whether he should seek the support of an ally before doing so.
The Answer of the Gods
Both oracles gave answers that agreed in meaning. Each prophecy stated that if Croesus attacked the Persians, he would destroy a great empire. This reply filled Croesus with confidence and hope. However, the message was unclear in an important way. It did not say which empire would be destroyed.
The oracles also advised Croesus to look among the Greek states and identify the strongest ones. They told him to form alliances with the most powerful Greeks before taking action. This advice suggested that success in war depended not only on divine favor but also on wise political choices.
A Prophecy Open to Interpretation
Croesus believed that the prophecy promised him victory. He assumed that the empire to be destroyed would be Persia. This belief encouraged him to move closer to war. However, the words of the oracle could be understood in more than one way. As later events would show, prophecies often required careful interpretation.
This moment marked a turning point in Croesus’ story. Trusting the gods and confident in his strength, he prepared to act on the advice he had received, unaware of how costly his decision might become.
