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Preeminent Neoplatonist of his age. Born in Chalcis, Syria, lamblichus was a defender of traditional Roman culture and philosophy against Christianity. A prolific writer, he broadened Neoplatonism to include religious themes. This is most evident in his elevation of the Chaldean Oracles (second-century Greek religious verses) to the status of divine revelation and of theurgy (summoning divine power by magic) as the principal means for the soul's salvation.