Did she say “Either all Sparta must morn the loss of a king or all Starta will fall to the sons of Persia” Or ” Sparta wages no war on the (hoilday I can’t spell)”. I have heard both from creditable people. I suppose my question is did Leonidas defy the gods or not?
3 Responses to “What did the oracle at Delphi really tell Leonidas?”
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I kno wthe oracle told someone that if they fought a war a great emire would fall so the king thought he would win and defeat his enemies and went off to war only the oracle meant that his empire would fall
According to Herdotus this is what the Spartans were told. “O ye men who dwell in the streets of broad Lacedaemon! Either your glorious town shall be sacked by the children of Perseus, Or, in exchange, must all through the whole Laconian country Mourn for the loss of a king, descendant of great Heracles. He cannot be withstood by the courage of bulls nor of lions, Strive as they may; he is mighty as Jove; there is naught that shall stay him, Till he have got for his prey your king, or your glorious city.” Therefore Leonidas led his 300 out to do battle with the persians and lose his life.
The oracle told him never to wee in the bath.