The Metaphysical System of Yamblicus

Yamblicus could have found this kind of metaphysical system with or without the mythical trappings in any number of Platonist texts. The reason he constantly alludes to the oracles and the works of Hermes is that their supposed pedigree proved the venerable and sacred roots of Pythagorean and Platonic teaching. Later Neoplatonists will invoke the antiquity of pagan belief as proof of its superiority over the far younger faith of the Christians.