Interpretative Proposals on the Rituals of Astragalomantic Oracles in Imperial Asia Minor’

This seminar is taking place online. Advance booking is required.

Abstract: This research focuses on the so-called "lot oracles" of Asia Minor from the 2nd century AD. I explore the mysterious and seemingly unavoidable human need to make decisions based on some external mechanism. This analysis has allowed me to reflect on morality, virtues, and polytheism in imperial Asia Minor. Notably, these oracles are inscribed on great stone pillars situated in public spaces of the city, highlighting the complex relevance of this environment, which is both sacred and secular. In my study, I concentrate on the cultural and intrinsic elements of the epigraphic texts, adopting an emic approach and excluding any overly general perspectives. The presentation is structured in two sections. In the first, I describe previous research on astragalomantic oracles relevant to my topics, including some related methodological issues. I then move on to the core of this work, advancing several interpretative hypotheses for the texts labeled as "lot oracles," proposing a case study on the personification of Victoria. I argue the following: the randomness of the oracles linked to dice-throwing is connected to divine intervention at the very moment the dice are cast, which represents the necessary external mechanism that makes the response meaningful and valuable for decision-making; the content of the dice oracles, similar to gnomic literature, serves as a foundation for culturally and morally determined behaviors, assuring both human and divine perspectives; astragalomantic oracles, as they relate to public spaces and civic issues of morality and religion, embody certain exemplarity, advising what is right to do and how to be a good citizen—an essential aspect in imperial Asia Minor.

Bio: Laura holds a BA and an MA in Classics from the University of Siena, where she had the privilege of writing her dissertation on the anthropology of the ancient world under the mentorship of Maurizio Bettini. Laura’s academic journey then took her to Canada, where she pursued an additional MA in Religious Studies. Laura is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Chicago, where she is engaged in research exploring neglected philosophical issues in Cicero.