mantikoi

Mantikoi were practitioners of mantikē, the ancient Greek art of divination. They interpreted signs and omens to reveal the will of the gods and to guide decisions in private life, politics, and warfare. Some worked as independent seers; others served at temples, sanctuaries, or in the retinues of rulers and civic institutions.

Etymology: The term derives from mantis, "seer," combined with the plural suffix -oi, forming mantikoi, “those who practice mantikē.”

Practices: Methods varied by place and era. Mantikoi could interpret dreams, observe natural signs, consult oracles, or perform ritual rites to obtain omens. They might be asked to advise on treaties, elections, military campaigns, or personal matters, and their pronouncements were often framed as messages from the gods.

Context and legacy: In classical sources, mantikoi are part of the religious and social fabric of ancient Greece. Attitudes toward mantic practices ranged from acceptance within religious rituals to skepticism by philosophers. The tradition influenced later Hellenistic and Roman prophecy and left a mark on the study of ancient religion and magical practice.