Description
Book SynopsisThis book shows that sacred prostitution did not exist in the ancient world. Whereas many scholars believe that ancient people prostituted themselves for religion, this is simply not the case. This book re-examines texts arguing for the existence of sacred prostitution and disproves these theories.
Trade Review'Throughout most of the book the material is presented well and each avenue is thoroughly explored. It provides a good grounding for students studying Ancient Greece and Rome to explore this hotly debated topic.' Rosetta
'This volume will be particularly useful for classicists with no previous expertise in this subfield, providing extensive commentary on the central corpus of sources for this custom. While there will be no doubt be those who dispute Budin's claims regarding the existence of sacred prostitution, there is no disputing the high level of scholarship which underpins her argument.' Classics Ireland
'… the book is based on a solid knowledge of modern scholarship. It should be read both by those who maintain that sacred prostitution existed and by those who remain sceptical.' Arctos
Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. The ancient Near Eastern data; 3. The so-called 'evidence'; 4. Herodotos; 5. In the footsteps of Herodotos: Lucian and 'Jeremiah'; 6. Pindar Fragment 122; 7. Strabo, confused and misunderstood; 8. Klearkhos, Justinus, and Valerius Maximus; 9. Archaeological 'evidence' from Italy; 10. The early Christian rhetoric; 11. Last myths.
