Sosipatra of Pergamum: Philosopher and Oracle

Sosipatra of Pergamum was an elite young girl from Ephesus who was educated by traveling oracles and grew up to lead her philosophy school. She was also a prophet who channeled divine messages and foretold the future. Heidi Marx's book explores the cultural and political landscape of late ancient Asia Minor, discussing women's lives in childhood, education, family, household, motherhood, widowhood, and professional life. It sheds light on late Roman Platonism and its engagement with religion, ritual, and magic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The captivating tale of Sosipatra of Pergamum, as recounted by her biographer, Eunapius of Sardis, in his Lives of the Philosophers and Sophists, is a remarkable narrative. It revolves around the story of an exceptional young girl hailing from the vicinity of Ephesus, who received her education through the guidance of traveling oracles, or daemons. As she matured, Sosipatra established her own philosophy school on the western coast of Asia Minor, becoming a prominent figure in the realm of philosophy. In addition to her intellectual pursuits, she possessed a prophetic nature, channeling divine messages to her students, family, and friends, as well as foretelling the future. Sosipatra of Pergamum stands as the inaugural and comprehensive attempt to unravel the enigmatic story of this enigmatic woman. Through a comprehensive contextualization of the brief and fictionalized portrayal offered by Eunapius, the book delves into the intricate cultural and political landscape of late ancient Asia Minor, particularly focusing on the regions surrounding Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and Smyrna. Moreover, it explores various aspects of Sosipatra's life, shedding light on the experiences of women in Late Antiquity across various domains, including childhood, education, family, household, motherhood, widowhood, and professional life. Sosipatra's career serves as a valuable window into late Roman Platonism, exploring its intricate relationship with religion, ritual, and magic. By meticulously examining the ancient evidence, Heidi Marx uncovers a hidden yet significant figure within the rich intellectual traditions of the Roman Near East.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 166 x 233 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197571231