Plutarch, Alexander, and Dream Divination

Carol J. King

28 citations0/0 files storedIllinois Classical Studies

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Classical Antiquity Studies Classical Philosophy and Thought Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies

Abstract

Abstract An oft-emphasized psychological approach to the dream experience has long overshadowed the ancient belief that a divine element in human affairs could be interpreted through dreams. Ample evidence for this belief and for dream divination as practiced by military leaders is found in Plutarch’s Lives, yet this has been largely neglected. Examination of the nine dreams in the Life of Alexander and other comparable dreams within their broader historical contexts suggests that dream divination is less marginal than generally thought and that consultation of professional interpreters was customary for kings and military commanders, especially in times of crisis.

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1951The Greeks and the Irrational 2008The Seer in Ancient Greece 2009Dreams and Experience in Classical Antiquity 1971The Death of Alexander the Great: Rumour and Propaganda 1997Traditions of the Magi 1996The urine and the vine: Astyages' dreams at Herodotus 1.107–8 2008Practitioners of the Divine: Greek Priests and Religious Officials from Homer to Heliodorus 1960The Lost Histories of Alexander the Great

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