Description
Book SynopsisBetween Magic and Religion represents a radical rethinking of traditional distinctions involving the term ''religion'' in the ancient Greek world and beyond, through late antiquity to the seventeenth century. The title indicates the fluidity of such concepts as religion and magic, highlighting the wide variety of meanings evoked by these shifting terms from ancient to modern times. The contributors put these meanings to the test, applying a wide range of methods in exploring the many varieties of available historical, archaeological, iconographical, and literary evidence. No reader will ever think of magic and religion the same way after reading through the findings presented in this book. Both terms emerge in a new light, with broader applications and deeper meanings.
Trade ReviewMany of the papers provide new insights into the topics they cover. * Bmcr *
Well-produced, eclectic collection [that] offers tantalizing glimpses at significant works in progress—and in conversation—on the history, theory and rhetoric of 'religion' and 'magic'. * The Journal of Hellenic Studies *
Essays...offer valuable windows into the intimate connection between religion and cultural identity. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Foreword Part 2 Preface Part 3 Introduction Part 4 Part I: Ancient Religion, Self and Other Part 5 A: Greeks and Others Chapter 6 Barbarian Bond: Thracian Bendis among the Athenians Chapter 7 Magic, Religion, and Syncretism at the Oracle of Claros Part 8 B: Roman Magic and Religion from Two Perspectives Chapter 9 Saving Water: Early Floods in the Forum Chapter 10 Magic, Dreams, and Ritual in the Iroquois Conversion Part 11 Part II: Man, Hero or God? Chapter 12 The Dynamics of Deification in Horace's Odes 1-3 Chapter 13 Olympias' Snake and Callisthenes' Stand: Religion and Politics in Plutarch's Life of Alexander Chapter 14 The Cult of Achilles in Philostratus' Heroikos: A Study in the Relation of Canon and Ritual Part 15 Part III: Religious Iconography in Late Antiquity Chapter 16 Coins Used as Amulets in Late Antiquity Chapter 17 A Reconsideration of Early Byzantine Marriage Rings Chapter 18 The Femme-aux-Serpents at Moissac: Luxuria (Lust) or a Bad Mother? Part 19 Bibliography Part 20 Index
