2-368-204 - Vivienne Sharp/Heritage Images

Jebel at Takrur from Siwa, Egypt. An oasis in the Libyan desert, Siwa became famous from the 7th century BC as the site of the oracle temple of Amon. The oracle is said to have confirmed Alexander the Great as both the son of Zeus and the legitimate Pharaoh of Egypt when he visited Siwa before setting off on his campaign to conquer Persia in 331 BC.