The Delphic Oracle, Its Early History, Influence and Fall #229503

Particularly interesting is the history of the influence of the Oracle in the domain of morality. Here there was a gradual ethical evolution from the old-time barbarous code which could sanction human sacrifice, and which took account merely of external morality, to the stage which took cognizance of mere acts of the will. Having traced the influence of the Oracle under these three heads — politics, religion and morality I have briefly indicated the causes which led to. The decline of the Oracle, and have endeavoured to show the stages in the waning of its influence till its extinction in Christian times.