There is abundant evidence from the Hellenistic and early Roman periods for the flourishing of healing shrines and for the belief in the direct intervention of the gods for healing purposes – the phenomenon we have defined as miracle. Alongside this is the evidence for the developing medical tradition which we surveyed in the previous chapter. From literary, inscriptional and archaeological sources comes extensive information about the miracle-working gods and goddesses of the first two centuries of our era. Chief among these wonder-working divinities are Isis and Asklepios in the Hellenistic and Roman traditions, and the God of Israel in the Judaeo-Christian traditions. Although there are discernible patterns or modes in which the divine actions are perceived, not only is there no simple uniformity within any one of these traditions, but each of these types of miracle phenomenon can be seen to change and adapt with the changing context in which it is said to have occurred.

Isis and Asklepios

Among the best-attested of the cults in which the divinity acts on behalf of seeking devotees is that of Isis. By Hellenistic times Isis had taken over from Ma'at the tasks of ordering the universe and preserving justice, but in addition she also had come to be viewed as the benefactress of those in particular need who sought her aid. The hymn-like utterances in praise of her beneficent powers (άρ∈ταλoγíα) go back as early as the second century B.C.