Neoplatonists categorized myths into five distinct levels to prevent literal interpretations of divinity

Sallustius, a 4th-century Neoplatonist, codified a rigorous framework in his treatise 'On the Gods and the World' to prevent the degradation of divinity through literalism. He categorized myths into five distinct levels: theological, physical, animistic, material, and mixed. For instance, a physical myth might personify the sun as Apollo to explain natural laws, while mixed myths were designed specifically for religious initiations to blend complex philosophical concepts.