ABSTRACT
Birds were the messengers of the gods par excellence, and in their divinatory role were central to Greek prophetic practice. Since the beginnings of Greek history the flight, actions and cries of birds were interpreted, both by the ordinary person and the specialist diviner, to help them understand the world around them, and to decide on future plans and activities in accordance with the will of the gods. Birds could be sent by the gods of their own initiative to advise or warn mortals of forthcoming events, but such omens could also be requested by worshippers and diviners, who could possess, as at Ephesos and Thebes, an official location for such observations. In addition, birds were prophetic markers in scenes of hoplites' departures for battle or other ominous occasions, such as Polyxena's capture by Achilles. As part of the daily lives of the ancient Greeks, the appearance, flight and behaviour of birds was of interest to all bystanders.
