Pushkin

As the night draws in and the fire blazes on the hearth, we warn the children by telling

them stories.

The little mermaid warns them, he's just not worth it sister.

My stories are for the education of the grownups and my stories are all true.

I'm Tim Halford, gather close and listen to my cautionary tales.

Two and a half thousand years ago, King Cresus of Lydia ruled a mighty empire.

Lydia had endured for more than six centuries in the lands we now call Turkey.

Cresus was legendarily wealthy, yet he felt threatened by the growing strength of the

first Persian Empire on his borders.

What should Cresus do?

Should he strike against the Persians in an attempt to seize their lands and destroy their power?

Or should he aim for a peaceful trading relationship?

King Cresus yearned for something we've all wanted from time to time, to see into the

future.

And this being the ancient world, that desire could be satisfied.

Cresus could consult an oracle.

That meant traveling to a temple, making an offering and asking the advice of a god.

The most famous oracle was at Delphine in the heart of ancient Greece, where the god

Apollo would possess the temples appointed priestess and give divine answers to the questions

asked of her.

Cresus had tested many oracles.

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