Living with the past: the City and its Philosophers in Late Antique Athens

A lack of interest in pagan cult practices and the preservation of statues characterized Late Antique Athens, despite the active participation of Neoplatonic philosophers. Analysis of literary sources from the Neoplatonic Academy and archaeological data revealed that the city did not engage with or support pagan rituals, even when initiated by prominent figures like Nestorius, Proclus, and Hegias. The study highlights that while philosopher-led efforts aimed to restore sacred images, the broader population showed indifference, neither opposing nor endorsing these practices violently.

Anghel, S. (2012). Living with the past: the City and its Philosophers in Late Antique Athens. Zeitschrift Für Religionswissenschaft, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/zfr-2012-0005