Sibyls and Sibylline Prophecy in Classical Antiquity

by H.W. Parke, B.C. McGing (Editor)

Sibyls and Sibylline Prophecy in Classical Antiquity, first published in 1988, is an authoritative account of a subject rarely treated in recent decades and difficult to access for non-specialists.

A considerable number of books of prophecies went under the generic title of Sibylline Oracles, which rulers consulted in times of crisis, the most famous literary example being the Cumaean Sibyl's advice to Aeneas. But in fact the Sibyls were unusual from other oracles in several respects; most characteristically, they composed discursive verses for distribution to the world at large, as opposed to specific answers to individual inquirers. They thus came to be associated with the interpretation of recent history as much as the discernment of prognoses for the future.

In his pursuit of the often elusive Sibyls the author ranges from Heraclitus to Eusebius, from Archaic Asia Minor to Christian Rome, illuminating religion, poetry and politics in the ancient world.

Genres: History

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1992

About the author

Herbert William Parke was Professor of Ancient History, Trinity College, University of Dublin, 1934–73, and a contributor to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Reviews

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of research in this book, following clues down the rabbit hole to try to find substantial evidence for the lives of the Sibyls. Of Parke's discussion of the Libyan Sibyl, which he summarily dismisses as probably just a legend, he did not dig far enough. See "The Sibyls," by Mama Zogbe, who at least brings up the Oracle at Siwa deep in the Libyan Desert, replete with priestesses who were sought out by the likes of Alexander the Great. The temple to Amon-Ra there places the possibility of practicing Sibyls in Africa. In his opinion of the mention of her in a Euripides play, he should think beyond biases, and realize that if the Libyan Sibyl's mother was Lamia, who was dark and monstrous, perhaps they were referring to how they viewed a black woman from the continent.
Otherwise, I learned a lot about the writings of Plutarch, Pausanias, Varro, Lactanitius, and more. I will use it as a reference book judiciously.

[spitesmite · Rating 5 out of 5]

H. W. Parke was one of the world's leading scholars of the classical world. his specialty was Greek religion, specifically oracle centers. the sibylls were ancient prophets that have been obscured by time. i find them fascinating. this book tells you all you will ever be able to know about the historical aspect of the sibylline phenomena. the sibylline books themselves (composed much later than the real, historical sibylls would have existed) have been studied exhaustively, but all we know of the actual sibylls of antiquity fits in this little book.
scholarly, well-written, accessable - an enjoyable read.