The Late Antique synthesis
Iamblichus
Iamblichus gives sacred rites a philosophical place: contemplation is no longer the only road to the divine, and theurgy can share in divine action.
- Dates
- c. 242 – c. 325
- Dating
- approximate dates
- Born
- Chalcis, Roman Syria
The life
A student in the Porphyrian tradition, he established his own school in Syria and radically elevated the importance of theurgy — ritual action involving divine symbols and powers.
Place in the tradition
For occult history this is the moment ritual becomes philosophically respectable. He later becomes a major authority for Ficino, Pico, Agrippa and Renaissance ritual philosophy.
a note on the record
History and later legend
The circumstances of his death are unknown.
the written record
Principal works
-
early fourth century
On the Mysteries
Written as a response to Porphyry and framed as by the Egyptian priest 'Abammon'. It argues for divination, sacrifice, sacred symbols and theurgy as legitimate means by which humans participate in the gods.
-
early fourth century
On the Pythagorean Life
Transforms Pythagoras into an exemplary initiatory philosopher, and preserves a great deal of Pythagorean tradition.
-
early fourth century
Protrepticus
Exhortation to Philosophy
A spiritual-philosophical exhortation incorporating older Pythagorean and Platonic material.