Chapter I: The Ancient Wisdom

I

The Ancient Wisdom

In his Book of Laws Plethon writes that his philosophy and theology have been handed down through a long lineage of the wise and that he is not inventing anything new, for the gods have given this knowledge to all people in common. It is what will be called in the Renaissance “the ancient theology” (Lat., prisca theologia) and “the perennial philosophy” (Lat., philosophia perennis). However, it is not merely traditional or inspired (“revealed”), according to Plethon, but has been preserved because it is based on notions common to humankind and supported by reason.4

Therefore, Plethon outlines a lineage comprising six lawgivers, seven legendary sages, seven sages of ancient Greece, and eight Platonic philosophers.5 This is the Golden Chain of Pagan sages, philosophers, and spiritual teachers whom Plethon credits with his philosophy and religion. This lineage is mostly legendary up to the Seven Sages of ancient Greece, but many ancient Platonists accepted some version of the Golden Chain as their philosophical heritage. I will say a little about each link in Plethon’s chain, for I think it is interesting and worthwhile to know the lineage of your spiritual path, but if you are anxious to get to the core of the teachings, feel free to skim the following or to skip it entirely; once you are practicing the religion, you will probably

4. Plethon, Laws III.43.7. 5. Plethon, Laws I.2.2–5.

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