Spiritual Taxonomies and Ritual Authority recounts how philosophers of the late third century C.E. organized the spirit world into hierarchies, positioning themselves as high priests in the process.

The story of Sosipatra of Pergamum (4th century C.E.) as told by her biographer, Eunapius of Sardis in his Lives of the Philosophers and Sophists, is a remarkable tale.

"This sourcebook provides an expansive picture of medicine, health, and healing in ancient Greece and Rome.

I also highlight the fact that in their efforts to establish their authority on theological and ritual matters, Origen, Porphyry and lamblichus frequently shared views on the realm of spirits that cut across religious boundaries, calling ...