Description
Book SynopsisMost studies of ancient Greek politics focus on formal institutions such as the political assembly and the law courts. This book suggests that Greek literature reveals traces of popular culture that can be further illuminated by comparison with later historical periods.
Trade Review"[F]ascinating."--William Fitzgerald, Times Literary Supplement "[T]his book is certainly a welcome opening salvo for exploring the culture of subaltern groups in antiquity."--Kostas Vlassopoulos, Sehepunkte "This book deserves the careful consideration of every serious Greek historian. Forsdyke has chosen her case studies well, and each one makes for a fascinating discussion. Most importantly, her methodological approach is very effective and should introduce many ancient historians to new avenues of research even where ancient sources are sparse... The main text reads clearly and offers enough (but not too much) introductory and general material to appeal to the non-specialist reader."--Matthew A. Sears, Bryn Mawr Classical Review "[A] most stimulating study of various aspects of Greek popular culture. As one who has tried to do the same, in a rather less 'scientific' way, I can only salute her achievement."--John Dillon, Polis
Table of ContentsFigures ix Acknowledgments xi Abbreviations xiii INTRODUCTION 1. Peasants, Politics, and Popular Culture 3 PART ONE: DISCOURSES 2. Slaves Tell Tales: The Culture of Subordinate Groups in Ancient Greece 37 3. Pigs, Asses, and Swine: Obscenity and the Popular Imagination in Ancient Sicyon 90 PART TWO: PRACTICES 4. Revelry and Riot in Ancient Megara: Democratic Disorder or Ritual Reversal? 117 5. Street Theater and Popular Justice in Ancient Greece 144 EPILOGUE 6. Conclusion 173 Notes 179 Bibliography 239 Index Locorum 261 General Index 265
