In ancient Greece, a form of divination used specifically to seek advice concerning a future action.
Mantike was very popular until the introduction of Astrology, and was used by both individuals and states.
The ravings of the Pythia in the Oracle at Delphi were described by Plato in his seventh and last dialogue (Phaedo) as "mantike entheos."
Common methods of Mantike were the interpretation of sacrificial victims' entrails (Extispicy), the observation of birds flight and behavior (Ornithomancy), and the interpretation of omens.
The Greeks classified Mantike into five categories. Necromancy, divination by means of the dead; Geomancy, divination by means of earth; Hydromancy, divination by means of water; Aeromancy, divination by means of air; and finally Pyromancy, divination by means of fire.
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