DODONA

In Antiquity, the seat of the most ancient, and one of the most celebrated oracles of Greece, sacred to Jupiter. By some writers its origin is attributed to Deucalion, who is said to have built the town of Dodona where it stood; but according to the traditions of the prieste es of the temple, it was founded by a dove, which, perching on the branch of an oak, recommended in a human voice that a temple should be erected to Jiipiter in that place. The situation of the oracle was in an extensive forest, the oaks of which are said to have been endowed with the gift of prophecy; and the oracles were most frequently delivered by three prieste es, who expounded the will of the divinity. That the responses of this oracle were received with singular veneration, may be inferred from the number of votaries by whom it was frequented, and the costly presents which adorned the temple and its precincts. This oracle continued to utter responses till the time of August us, when it ceased. (Strabo, vii.) See Oracle. [s. 370]