AI – ‘The Oracle of Amun was located in the Siwa Oasis due to its association with the Egyptian god Amun, who was also identified with the Libyan deity Ammon. The oasis, which was also called Ammon, became a significant religious center, particularly after Alexander the Great‘s visit in 331 BC, where he was declared the son of Amun. The remoteness and isolation of the oasis added to the oracle’s mystique and perceived reliability. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Amun/Ammon Connection:

The oracle was dedicated to the god Amun, a prominent deity in the Egyptian pantheon, who was also worshipped in Siwa as Ammon. The Egyptians identified their god Amun with the Libyan deity Ammon. 

• Location:

The Siwa Oasis was a remote and isolated location in the western desert, bordering Libya. This remoteness contributed to the oracle’s reputation for being less influenced by political pressures than other oracles. 

• Alexander the Great’s Visit:

Alexander’s visit in 331 BC was a pivotal moment. He sought confirmation of his divine parentage, as he was claiming to be the son of Zeus (identified with Amun). The oracle’s pronouncements, confirming his divine status, legitimized his rule in Egypt and boosted his image as a powerful leader. 

• Religious Significance:

The oracle was one of the most revered in ancient times. The fact that the oracle was dedicated to a god with both Egyptian and Libyan roots likely added to its appeal and importance in the region. 

• Cult of Amun:

The Egyptians built a temple to Amun at Siwa during the 26th Dynasty to assert control over the area and win favor with the local Libyan tribes. The temple and oracle were thus part of a broader effort to integrate Siwa into the Egyptian sphere of influence.