Proclus and the Chaldean Oracles

This volume examines the discussion of the Chaldean Oracles in the work of Proclus, as well as offering a translation and commentary of Proclus’ Treatise On Chaldean Philosophy. Spanu assesses whether Proclus’ exegesis of the Chaldean Oracles can be used by modern research to better clarify the content of Chaldean doctrine or must instead be abandoned because it represents a substantial misinterpretation of originary Chaldean teachings. The volume is augmented by Proclus’ Greek text, with English translation and commentary. Proclus and the Chaldean Oracles will be of interest to researchers working on Neoplatonism, Proclus and theurgy in the ancient world.

"This is a book which scholars both of Proclus and of the Chaldean Oracles will want to have at their disposal... Spanu has taken on a task of considerable difficulty and one which does represent, as he suggests, the next necessary step in the interpretation of the Chaldean Oracles: the systematic study of the adaptation of Chaldean material in the works of late-antique Platonists, especially Proclus and Damascius." - Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Nicola Spanu wrote a PhD thesis on Plotinus and his Gnostic disciples and took part in a postdoctoral project on Byzantine cosmology and its relation to Neoplatonism. He has worked as an independent researcher on his second academic publication, which has focused on Proclus and the Chaldean Oracles.