Oracle of Trophonius

Although the Oracle of Delphi is by far the most famous oracle known today, it was by no means the only place in ancient Greece where individuals could go for prophecies. The Oracle of Trophonius at Lebadeia (modern-day Livadeia) was renowned as a place where one could communicate directly with the gods, as opposed to a medium for them.

According to legend, Trophonius was a hero who was swallowed up by the earth while attempting to steal King Hyrieus of Boetia's treasures. That turned him into a god who resided in the cave named after him. Fast forward some time, and the people of Lebadeia are told they are suffering from a plague because of an angry hero. Believing it to be Trophonius, they began worshipping him at his cave.

After several days of sacrifices and preparation, pilgrims coming to consult Trophonius would enter the darkness of his cave. His presence was said to drive people mad, and upon emerging they would ravingly relay his words to a scribe. Such experiences made the Oracle of Trophonius infamous throughout the ancient world.

It is unknown what actually caused this insanity. Some speculate that pilgrims were fed a hallucinogenic substance. Alternatively, sensory deprivation in the pitch-black cave may have caused hallucinations there.

The Oracle of Trophonius was excavated by archaeologists in the 1960s and is now open to the public. Those hoping to recreate the ancient experience, however, will be dissapointed: the exact location of the original Cave of Trophonius is unknown. It is likely that it was filled in or otherwise lost during the sanctuary's latter stages.