Histories

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,[*](That is, to the oracular shrines of these legendary heroes.) and others to Didyma [27.233,37.35] (historic site), Aydin Ili, Ege kiyilari, Turkey, Asia Branchidae in the Milesian country.

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), AfricaLibya. 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.

And when he sent to test these shrines he gave the Lydians these instructions: they were to keep track of the time from the day they left Sardis [28.0167,38.475] (Perseus) Sardis, and on the hundredth day inquire of the oracles what Croesus, king of Lydia [27.516,38.683] (region (general)), Turkey, Asia Lydia, son of Alyattes, was doing then; then they were to write down whatever the oracles answered and bring the reports back to him.