Description
Book SynopsisThis brief but highly informative book presents an outline of Greek religion in the classical period. After surveying its main characteristics, it offers a clear and innovative view of the great gods and heroes as well as their sanctuaries and also the main myths, rituals and mysteries: from Athena to Zeus, from sacrifice to the puritan Orphics, from the Indo-European roots to the influence of the ancient Near East. The approach pays attention to the sociological, anthropological, and psychological aspects of Greek religion and also to the gender roles. By paying attention to the often modern origin of many of the notions employed in the analysis of Greek religion, it illustrates the difference between Greek polytheism and the place of religion in modern Western society. This second edition has been updated to account for the latest developments, and its bibliography makes this book very useful for students and teachers alike.
Trade Review'a clear and innovative view of the great gods and heroes … this book is very useful for students and teachers alike … Bremmer has written a very good book on Greek religion.' Mark Beumer, Kleio-Historia
Table of ContentsI. Preface to first edition Jan N. Bremmer; II. Preface to second edition Jan N. Bremmer; III. List of abbreviations; IV. List of illustrations; 1. Introduction: General Characteristics; 2. Gods; 3. Sanctuaries; 4. Ritual; 5. Mythology; 6. Gender; 7. Transformations; Appendix: The genesis of Greek religion; Bibliography; General index; Index of passages.
