But when the messengers came to Delphi, the Pythian priestess would not answer them before they restored the temple of Athena at Assesos in the Milesian territory,
1.19. The Pythia refuses to answer the question about the illness until the Lydians rebuild the temple of Athena at Assesos.
Alyattes fell ill; and, as his sickness lasted longer than it should, he sent to Delphi to inquire of the oracle
1.19. Alyattes, king of Lydia, consults the Delphic oracle about a persistent illness. The Landmark Herodotus suggests that this may have taken place ca. 598 BC (p. 12).
So he took possession of the sovereign power and was confirmed in it by the Delphic oracle
1.13. Gyges consults the Delphic oracle, who confirms him in his kingship but warns that retribution will come in the fifth generation.