The Decline of Delphi

This thesis examines the final centuries of Delphic consultation, from the first to fourth centuries AD, particularly within a religious context. The investigation begins with an analysis of the rise of Delphi and the various stages of decline proposed by Delphic scholars, concluding that the decline begins in the Hellenistic Era, but is far more apparent by the first and second centuries AD. Plutarch is a key source regarding Delphi during this period and, as such, his Delphic Dialogues are analysed in detail. From his writings, a contradictory picture of the state of Delphi in the second century emerges: on the one hand, a decline in oracular consultation, and on the other hand, a thriving sanctuary. To better understand this dichotomy, a conception of Delphi is suggested – the sanctuary operated on two connected, yet distinct levels – the oracle, and the remaining religious, political and social elements at the site. This thesis compares and contrasts Delphi with Claros and Didyma to demonstrate Delphi’s inability to assist in contemporary religious concerns. The responses from these Asia Minor oracles showcase their expertise on a variety of ‘theological’ issues which were novel oracular concerns. 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 as Claros and Didyma continued to thrive in the second and third centuries AD. Finally, this thesis proposes a relationship between the decline of Delphi and the rise of several occult practices. The second and third centuries AD witnessed the development, rise and spread of new ways of access to divine wisdom. Particularly widespread were the practices of astrology and the Neoplatonic divinatory system called theurgy. This thesis examines the correlation between the rise of such practices and the decline of oracular consultation at Delphi.