Oracles are individuals or mediums believed to provide divine guidance or prophecy, often through mystical means. In ancient cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans, oracles were consulted for important decisions, with the most famous being the Oracle of Delphi, where the priestess Pythia delivered cryptic messages from the god Apollo. These prophetic insights were sought by leaders and common people alike, as they were thought to reveal the will of the gods. Oracles played a significant role in shaping historical events and cultural practices, influencing everything from warfare to personal choices in ancient societies.