In classical antiquity, the answers sent by the gods were called oracles, and which were brought to the receiver by the intervention of a priest or the interpretation of objects with divinatory properties. Similarly, the place where these consultations took place is called an oracle. For the most part, oracles are part of the Greek cultural tradition; With the arrival of the Greco-Roman world, the Romans also assimilated this practice, although giving it other nuances. The Spanish word originates from the Greek "oraculum", conceived, at the time, to talk about the divination system structured by ancient civilizations and the place where they were set in motion.
The oracles were of vital importance in the Greek world; Since religion was a fundamental part of daily life, people were interested in being able to know the will of the gods and how it would incur its fatum (destiny). It is well known how the kings or figures of political importance consulted the oracles before great events, in order, within their possibilities, to make the most prudent decisions. It is clear, however, that as mortals they could not avoid the circumstances that they would face. The priests and priestesses, in the same way, used to deliver the messages of the gods with a language full of symbolism, which left a free space for interpretation.
Among the best known oracles in Greece, it is worth highlighting: the oracle of Delphi, the best known of all and which was located in the Delphi antuary, dedicated to the God Apollo; the oracle of Olympia, located in the ancient city of Olympia, in the sanctuary of Zeus; finally, the oracle of Dodona, located in Epirus, between the mountains, under a sacred oak.
