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[1]
After the loss of his son, Croesus remained in deep sorrow for two years. After this time, the destruction by Cyrus son of Cambyses of the sovereignty of Astyages son of Cyaxares, and the growth of the power of the Persians, distracted Croesus from his mourning; and he determined, if he could, to forestall the increase of the Persian power before they became great.
After the loss of his son, Croesus remained in deep sorrow for two years. After this time, the destruction by Cyrus son of Cambyses of the sovereignty of Astyages son of Cyaxares, and the growth of the power of the Persians, distracted Croesus from his mourning; and he determined, if he could, to forestall the increase of the Persian power before they became great.
[2] Having thus determined, he at once made inquiries of the
Greek and
Libyan oracles, sending messengers separately to
Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus)
Delphi
, to
Abai [22.9583,38.5917] (Perseus)
Abae
in
Phocia, and to
Dodona [20.8,39.55] (Perseus)
Dodona
, while others were despatched to
Amphiaraus and
Trophonius,
1
and others to
Didyma [27.233,37.35] (historic site), Aydin Ili, Ege kiyilari, Turkey, Asia
Branchidae
in the
Milesian country.
[3] These are the
Greek oracles to which
Croesus sent for divination: and he told others to go inquire of
Ammon in
Libya [17,25] (nation), Africa
Libya
. His intent in sending was to test the knowledge of the oracles, so that, if they were found to know the truth, he might send again and ask if he should undertake an expedition against the
Persians.
Histories. Herodotus. ed. A.D. Godley. Cambridge. 1920-1925.
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