The seer mantis an expert in the art of divination operated in ancientGreek society through a combination of charismatic inspiration and diverseskills ranging f... » 

The seer mantis an expert in the art of divination operated in ancientGreek society through a combination of charismatic inspiration and diverseskills ranging from examining the livers of sacrificed animals to spiritpossession. Unlike the palm readers and mediums who exist on the fringe ofmodern society many seers were highly paid well respected educated membersof the elite who played an essential role in the conduct of daily lifepolitical decisions and military campaigns. Armies for example never wentanywhere without one. This engaging book the only comprehensive study of thisfascinating figure enters into the socioreligious world of ancient Greece toexplore what seers did why they were so widely employed and how their craftserved as a viable and useful social practice. «