Dodona received many devastating blows during its long history. In 219 BCE the Aetolians destroyed most of the buildings and the votive offerings. In 167 BCE the Roman senate ordered the severe punishment of the Epirotes for their alliance with the defeated Macedonians. Dodona was among the cities that paid a heavy price. And yet, it was another kind of disaster that signalled the end of the oracle. The spread of Christianity ushered into a period of decline for pagan religious sites. Emperor Julian consulted the oracle in 326 CE but he was definitely fighting a losing battle. A few decades later Emperor Theodosius closed all pagan temples and banned all pagan activities.