Case file · Folklore / legend
Alexander at the oracle of Siwa
In early 331 BCE Alexander the Great crossed the desert to consult the oracle of Amun at Siwa. Ancient authors say ravens or snakes guided his lost party, and the priest greeted him as son of the god.
331 BCE · 29.21, 25.54 · status: official
The account
The visit was recorded by his companions, including Callisthenes, and retold by Arrian and Plutarch. The temple ruins still stand at Aghurmi.
The sceptical view
The journey is historical, but the miraculous guides and the oracle's words come from flattering accounts.