Böcker av Julius Firmicus Maternus

This work by Julius Firmicus Maternus is a powerful critique of the pagan religions of Rome, addressed to the emperors Constantine and Constantius. It is an important source for understanding the religious landscape of the late Roman Empire.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Firmicus Maternus was one of the last astrological writers of Late Antiquity (330s AD), during the rich period of early Neoplatonism and the rise of Christian emperors. Drawing on some of the earliest and most renowned Hellenistic astrologers, such as Necheps¿-Petosiris, Asclepius, and less known figures like Abraham, Firmicus is one of our most important sources of ancient astrological doctrine. Much of the Math¿sis is found nowhere else in surviving texts. This translation was especially designed for students who have been frustrated by the incompleteness and problems of prior editions. It contains an extensive Introduction with a glossary of special terms, ongoing astrological commentary, and over 100 tables and figures to illustrate Firmicus's principles and extensive chart examples. We hope that contemporary readers will gain a new appreciation for this classic text.

Julius Firmicus Maternus, a native of Sicily, was a Roman lawyer of the senatorial class. He lived in the first half of the fourth century AD (c.280-c.360). He was also a student of Greek astrology, which forms the basis of this book. Of this book, James Herschel Holden writes, "The Mathesis is the lengthiest astrological treatise that has come down to us from the classical period. It consists of eight books, of which the first forms an introductory essay on astrology, and the rest set forth the fundamentals of Greek astrology. Several sections contain material that is found nowhere else...." (History of Horoscopic Astrology, pg. 66.) The translator writes, "Magic, philosophy, science and theology combine in strange ways in the thinking of the last centuries of the Roman empire..... Firmicus seemed worthy of note for many reasons. He is almost alone as author of works produced both before and after an apparent conversion to Christianity.... He left a lengthy handbook detailing the astrological practices of his day, the only work which has come down to us in its entirety [90% complete: Holden] out of numerous astrological treatises written in the Hellenistic and Roman periods..... This manual was important because it was the channel for astrological lore to the Middle Ages and Renaissance." (from the Preface)Jean Rhys Bram holds a degree in Latin from the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Classics from New York University. She taught Latin, ancient Greek, and Mythology at Hunter College until her retirement. At 92, she continues to read widely and tutor students. She enjoys the company of twelve cats.