The Sibylline books were a collection of prophesies purchased by Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, from a sibyl, or prophetess. The sibyl came to Tarquinius demanding a ridiculous some of money for nine books of prophesy supposedly containing the future of Rome. The king did not believe her and refused to pay such a high price for fraudulent prophecies. The woman promptly burned three of the books and again asked Tarquinius if he wished to buy the remaining six books for the original price. He refused, still thinking she was trying to cheat him. Then the woman burned three more of the books. Tarquinius pondered her actions, relented, and purchased the last three for the original exorbitant price.
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