Sibylline Books

Above: depiction of Sibyl with her Books.

The Sibylline Books were a collection of ancient Greek oracles. The Sibylline Books were written in Greek Hexameters, and kept by the Sibyl untill King Tarquinius Superbus of Rome purchased them. These oracles were believed to hold the secrest of Rome's destiny. A special order of priests were in charge of protecting and interpreting the Books, an important task in a world where a superstitious populous could impart power on a politically inclined individual.

The Books were consulted at various times by Roman politicians until Flavius Stilicho ordered them burnt. Scholars believe that he did this because they were being used in argument against his leadership. A few of the prophacies have survived within the Memorabilia of Phlegon of Tralles.

Sources:
Encyclopedia Britannica
Antiquity by Norman F. Cantor