Description
Book SynopsisOffers an introduction to the basic beliefs, practices, and major deities of Greek and Roman religions A volume in the Blackwell Ancient Religions, Greek and Roman Religions offers an authoritative overview of the region's ancient religious practices. The authora noted expert in the fieldexplores the presence of divinity in all aspects of ancient life and highlights the origins of myth, religious authority, institutions, beliefs, rituals, sacred texts, and ethics. Comprehensive in scope, the text focuses on myriad aspects that constitute Greco-Roman culture such as economic class, honor and shame, and slavery as well as the religious role of each member of the family. The integration of ethnic and community identity with divine elements are highlighted in descriptions of religious festivals. Greek and Roman Religions presents the evolution of ideas concerning death and the afterlife and the relation of death to concepts of ultimate justice. The author also offers insight into the el
Table of ContentsPreface ix
I Living with the Divine 1
II The Ancient Civilizations of the Mediterranean Basin 23
III Myths, Gods, and Heroes: Greece 47
IV Myths, Gods, and Heroes: Rome 71
V Temples and Priests 95
VI Worship of the Gods: Community Religious Festivals 113
VII Religion and Society 141
VIII Communicating with the Divine 161
IX The Mysteries 185
X Death and the Afterlife: Funeral Rites and Funeral Games 205
XI Religion and Philosophy 229
XII Religion and the State 253
XIII The Legacy of Greco‐Roman Religions in Western Culture 277
Glossary 303
Index 315
