Politics and Oracles

This study is a discussion of the trials and tribulations of the political ties between the aristocratic yet conservative city of Athens and the religiously significant city of Delphi in the years prior to the advent of the Persian Wars in 490B.C. and 480/79B.C. This study delves into the historical record left behind by the Oracle itself, its oracles and how these played a significant role in the political affairs of Athens. These oracles inspired great men, brought down governments, started wars and brought the demise of many. How could an institution like the Delphic Oracle be able to influence the political life of a city as great as Athens? The colourful characters of Archaic Athens make the journey of the relations with Delphi like a see-saw between being a friend and then a foe and vice versa all the more interesting as time progressed. The discussions and approachs taken in this work might be of interest to those who take interest in looking at the relations between cities in the ancient world and how the influence of one can affect the other. This might also interest students of ancient history who have found this area fascinating and need a platform to start.