| Sumario: | The article focuses on the contrasting figures of Alexander of Abonuteichos, a self-proclaimed prophet, and Lucian of Samosata, a satirist who exposed him as a fraud. It details how Alexander established a successful cult centered around a snake deity named Glykon, employing theatrical tricks and manipulative tactics to attract followers and gain wealth. Lucian's invective against Alexander serves to critique not only the prophet's deceptive practices but also the gullibility of his audience, illustrating a broader commentary on the nature of religious entrepreneurship in the ancient world. The text highlights the enduring themes of belief, skepticism, and the exploitation of hope in the context of spiritual and economic motivations.
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