The temple of Fortuna Primigenia the Oracle in Palestrina consists of a series of artificial terraces arranged on the rocky slope.
It is a magnificent architectural achievement of the late second century BC, although the origin of the place of worship dates back to more ancient times.
On the terrace of semicircles, looking from left to right, is conserved a well, identified by Cicero as one in which the noble Numerio Sufficio of Prenestina would have found lots, the tablets from on were drawn omens for the future.
Presumably the oracles were drawn up from within the same well from a woman who was kept in the shadows.
A child was lowered into the well received the responses, handed the tablets to those who had asked the questions and who had provided a worthwhile contribution.
Follow us