Greek and Roman Religions

Offers 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 author--a noted expert in the field--explores 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 elements of ancient religions that remain important in our contemporary quest for meaning. This vital text:

• Offers a comprehensive review of ancient Greek and Roman religions and their institutions, beliefs, rituals, and more

• Examines how the Roman culture and religions borrowed from the Greek traditions

• Explores the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean Basin

• Contains suggestions at the end of each chapter for further reading that include both traditional studies and more recent examinations of topical issues

Written for students of ancient religions and religious studies, this important resource provides an overview of the ancient culture and history of the general region as well as the basic background of Greek and Roman civilizations.

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Contenu
Preface 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 GrecoRoman Religions in Western Culture 277

Glossary 303

Index 315