Artemidorus

Definition

Artemidorus was a prominent figure in the study of dreams and their interpretations in the ancient world, particularly known for his work 'Oneirocritica.' This text is a crucial source on methods of divination, as it combines various interpretations of dreams with broader themes of augury and extispicy, illustrating how dreams were perceived as prophetic signs by the Greeks and Romans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artemidorus lived in the 2nd century CE and his work has influenced both ancient and modern interpretations of dreams.
2. In 'Oneirocritica,' Artemidorus categorized dreams into different types, such as prophetic dreams and those stemming from daily life experiences.
3. His approach emphasized the importance of personal context in dream interpretation, suggesting that the same dream could have different meanings for different individuals.
4. Artemidorus's influence extended beyond dreams, as he incorporated elements of other divination methods like augury and extispicy to illustrate how interconnected these practices were in ancient belief systems.
5. His work remains one of the few surviving texts on dream interpretation from antiquity, making it a valuable resource for understanding ancient Greek and Roman perspectives on divination.

Review Questions

• How did Artemidorus's 'Oneirocritica' contribute to the understanding of dream interpretation in ancient religious practices?
  • Artemidorus's 'Oneirocritica' was groundbreaking because it provided a structured approach to understanding dreams as significant messages from the divine. He categorized different types of dreams and emphasized how personal context could affect their meanings, thus making dream interpretation more nuanced. This work influenced not only subsequent dream interpreters but also highlighted the broader significance of divination in connecting individuals to the divine will.
• In what ways does Artemidorus's work reflect the interconnectedness of various methods of divination, such as augury and extispicy?
  • Artemidorus's work reflects the interconnectedness of divination methods by illustrating how dreams can complement other forms of omens like augury and extispicy. He recognized that interpreting signs from different sources created a more comprehensive understanding of divine communication. By incorporating these various divinatory practices, Artemidorus highlighted how ancient cultures viewed the world as filled with signs requiring interpretation to navigate life's uncertainties.
• Evaluate the significance of Artemidorus's contributions to modern understandings of dreams and divination practices.
  • Artemidorus's contributions are significant because they offer insight into how ancient peoples perceived their realities through dreams. His detailed classifications and interpretations established foundational principles that still resonate in contemporary discussions about psychology and symbolism in dreams. Furthermore, his blend of dream analysis with broader divinatory practices invites us to consider how cultural contexts shape our understanding of fate, free will, and the search for meaning in both ancient and modern societies.

Related terms

Oneirocritica: A comprehensive treatise by Artemidorus that details various types of dreams and their meanings, establishing a foundation for dream interpretation in ancient literature.

Augury: A method of divination based on observing the behavior of birds, believed to provide insights into future events and divine will.

Extispicy: A form of divination that involves examining the entrails of sacrificed animals to discern omens or messages from the gods.