Description
Book SynopsisEx Asia Minor et Syria: Religions in the Roman Central Balkans investigates the cults of Asia Minor and Syrian origin in the Roman provinces of the Central Balkans. The author presents, analyzes and interprets all hitherto known epigraphical and archaeological material which attests to the presence of Asia Minor and Syrian cults in that region, a subject which is yet to be the object of a serious scholarly study. Thus the book both reviews previously known monuments and artefacts, many of which are now missing or are destroyed, and adds new finds, exploring their social and geographical context from all possible angles, and focusing on the thoughts and beliefs of the dedicants and devotees of the particular cult in question. New conclusions are presented in a scientific framework, taking account of the latest theoretical developments.
Trade ReviewThe volume is immaculately researched and annotated, with numerous illustrations that otherwise would be very hard to access. A work of importance for archeologists, art historians, Balkanists and anyone interested in the spread and evolution of the pagan cults of the Roman Empire. -
Caroline Stone, AramcoWorld (2021) -- Caroline Stone * AramcoWorld *
'A well-organized book with detailed information about monuments and religious cults and their study in world literature, a balanced interpretation, based on scrupulous analyses of facts and artefacts, all that is needed to present a book like this as one of the necessary titles for future research and surveys.' – Prof. Kostadin Rabadjiev (2022): Archaeologia Bulgarica ХХV, 3
'For the conclusion of this review, it is worth repeating that the book Ex Asia et Syria, Oriental Religions in the Roman Central Balkans achieved its goal: to present the Central Balkans territory as valuable for a better understanding of Asia Minor and Syrian cults, their diffusion, and their importance for the Romanised or indigenous population and the integration of this region into the complex Greco-Roman cultural sphere.' – Jelena Anđelković Grašar (2023): Antigüedad: Religiones y Sociedades
Table of ContentsIntroduction ;
Geographical Frame and Pre-Roman History of the Central Balkan Roman Provinces ;
The History of the Research of Asia Minor and Syrian Religions and Cults ;
Cultural Influences and Romanisation ;
I. Asia Minor Religions and Cults ;
Magna Mater ;
Attis ;
Sabazius ;
Jupiter Dolichenus ;
Jupiter Turmasgades ;
The Cult of Jupiter Melanus and other Asia Minor Local Gods ;
Mēn ;
Artemis of Ephesus ;
II. Syrian Religions in the Central Balkans ;
Sol Invictus ;
Dea Syria ;
Theos Hypsistos ;
III. Quarries, Workshops and their Localisation ;
IV. Palmyrene Funerary Monuments in the Central Balkans ;
V. Conclusion ;
VI. Bibliography ;
VII. Catalogue ;
VIII. Maps
