Ancient Oracles

Making the Gods Speak

Stoneman Richard

For more than a thousand years, Greeks in all walks of life consulted oracles for guidance received directly from the gods. This colourful and wide-ranging survey encompasses the entire history of Greek oracles and focuses fresh attention on philosophical, psychological, and anthropological aspects of oracular consultation. It also examines how Greek oracles' practices were distinctive compared to those of their neighbours, especially in Egypt, Babylon, and Israel. Richard Stoneman weaves a fascinating historical tapestry, taking into account the different kinds of oracles (healers, advisors, prophets, and others), their most important sanctuaries, debates about them among ancient thinkers, and Christian attacks against them. Delving into the reasons behind the oracles' enduring position at the heart of Greek culture, Stoneman offers fresh insights into pagan religious practice and the history of Greek intellectual and spiritual life.

About the Author

Richard Stoneman is the author of many scholarly and trade works in the field of Greek history. Formerly Consultant to the Everyman Library on Classics, he is globally acknowledged as the foremost expert on the myths of Alexander.

Reviews

"A useful contribution to the on-going debate about the role and place of oracles, especially in how they provoked a series of philosophical and later theological responses" – Michael Scott, The Anglo-Hellenic Review

"This wide-ranging and fascinating historical tapestry traces the history of Greek oracles, highlighting the theoretical, psychological and anthropological aspects of oracular consultation and offering fresh insights into pagan religious practice" – Aisha Tayub, Overseas: Quarterly Journal of the Royal Overseas League

"A highly intelligent, well researched and fascinating study which gripped me to the end" – Robert Carver, The Tablet

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