The Decadence of Delphi - The Oracle in the Second Century AD and Beyond (Hardcover)

Examining the final years of Delphic consultation, this monograph argues that the sanctuary operated on two connected, yet distinct levels: the oracle, which was in decline, and the remaining religious, political and social elements at the site which continued to thrive. In contrast to Delphi, other oracular counterparts in Asia Minor, such as Claros and Didyma, rose in prestige as they engaged with new "theological" issues. Issues such as these were not presented to Apollo at Delphi and this lack of expertise could help to explain why Delphi began to decline in importance. The second and third centuries AD witnessed the development of new ways of access to divine wisdom. Particularly widespread were the practices of astrology and the Neoplatonic divinatory system, theurgy. This monograph examines the correlation between the rise of such practices and the decline of oracular consultation at Delphi, analyzing several examples from the Chaldean Oracles to demonstrate the new interest in a personal, soteriological religion. These cases reveal the transfer of Delphi's sacred space, which further impacted the status of the oracle. Delphi's interaction with Christianity in the final years of oracular operation is also discussed. Oracular utterances with Christian overtones are examined along with archaeological remains which demonstrate a shift in the use of space at Delphi from a "pagan" Panhellenic center to one in which Christianity is accepted and promoted.

General

Imprint:	Routledge
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	September 2017
First published:	2018
Authors:	Kristin M. Heineman
Dimensions:	234 x 156 x 18mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	212
ISBN-13:	978-1-4724-8180-1
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE Books > Humanities > Archaeology > Archaeology by period / region > European archaeology > Classical Greek & Roman archaeology Books > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE
LSN:	1-4724-8180-1
Barcode:	9781472481801

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