This book is an attempt to take seriously the cliche that Greek religion is an eminently social phenomenon. It differs from `Histories of Greek Religion' by focusing on a particular Greek city with particular social structures. It treats a much broader range of phenomena than do books on `Athenian festivals'. It seeks to bridge the gap that usually divides studies of Greek religion from studies of Greek history and society. Among the topics discussed are the actual dates and circumstances of foundation of many temples, festivals, and cults at Athens, the historical development of the social structures within which religious activities took place, and the effects in the religious sphere of the radical shift in Athens' political life from tyranny to democracy and the acquisition of an empire. Robert Parker investigates the relation between religion and political prestige, considers the introduction of new cults, and looks in detail at such key personalities and events in the religious history of Athens as Lycurgus the Eteoboutad and his religious policies, and the trial of Socrates. The period covered is roughly that from 750 to 250 BC.
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Tantalizingly little documented, ancient Greek religion is all too often reduced to the dry analysis of archaeological remains. This major new work, by the most prestigious expert on the subject in the UK, is a revolutionary attempt to bring ancient religion to life, and promises to be the definitive work on the subject for many years to come.
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What Parker does that is new is to give us a broad picture of religious practices and outlook ... in a single city-state. This ambitious self-limitation permits a developmental account that is refreshingly embedded both in the underlying social framework and in historical narrative. Epigraphists will enjoy seeing their patient reconstructive work rescued from the brilliant obscurity of learned journals to be incorporated into this masterly synthesis. It is an extraordinary achievement to have made the assembling of fragmentary and often unexciting evidence of various kinds, with all the necessary qualification and counter-qualification, so absorbingly readable. Parker excels in elegant caution.
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`What Parker does that is new is to give us a broad picture of religious practices and outlook ... in a single city-state. This ambitious self-limitation permits a developmental account that is refreshingly embedded both in the underlying social framework and in historical narrative. Accordingly, he largely leaves aside the themes usually handled by books on Greek religion. Epigraphists will enjoy seeing their patient reconstructive work rescued from the brilliant obscurity of learned journals to be incorporated into this masterly synthesis. It is an extraordinary achievement to have made the assembling of fragmentary and often unexciting evidence of various kinds, with all the necessary qualification and counter-qualification, so absorbingly readable. Parker excels in elegant caution.' Times Literary Supplement `In just the few years in which this book has been on the shelves, it has become the classic study of Athenian religion for the period it deals with.' Matthew P.J. Dillon, Ancient History Vol.29 No.1 `It is a masterly survey of the development of Athenian religion from the beginnings down to the Hellenistic period, elegant, learned and judicious, so that one keenly looks forward to the thematic history which will eventually follow as Part Two.' Times Literary Supplement `fine, meticulously reseasrched study of Athenian faith and worship from the Dark Ages to the execution of Philochoros in 262 ... Athenian religion is a prodigious work of scholarship. The reader who wishes to pursue any topic will be guided by complete references in the footnotes, some of which are equivalent to short encyclopedia articles.' Frank J. Frost, University of California Santa Barbara, Journal of Hellenic Studies `Scholars whose primary interests lie in the interaction between politics and religious practice, in particular, will need to pay close attention to what he has to say.' The Journal of Religion Parker's history of Athenian religion from the early eighth to the early third centuries BCE is truly comprehensive. CHOICE `Robert Parker has performed an inestimable service in gathering, organizing and interpreting virtually all available information about Athenian religious practice that can be fitted into a chronological framework. He has done this so meticulously and with such good sense that his work will have to be the starting point for future study of almost any Athenian cult...Parker's achievement is stunning.' The Classical Journal `This is an extremely valuable book, and it is difficult to see how any worthwhile history of Athens in the period c. 1000-c.250 B.C. could now be written without reference to it...it is densely packed with information, and discussion about the information...it is the material so thoroughly collected and presented by P. that will form the basis of future discussion. For this he is owed the highest praise.' The Classical Review `You will find a thesaurus of information, not all of it obvious.' Religious Studies Review `Athenian Religion is both interesting and important ... erudite and even-handed in its treatment of opposing viewpoints ... His analysis of inscriptions is often subtle and acute.' Tom Stevenson, Prudentia, Vol XXX, no 2, Nov 98 `Athenian Religion will serve as a scholarly reference book for years to come.' Odyssey `Anyone with the patience to minde the particular treasures of this preliminary project will find it a helpful resource. For the careful reader, Parker has provided a gnerous and detailed road map to some very important epigraphical texts with significant problems flagged and the interpretations of other scholars succinctly evaluated, even when they are in conflict with his own.' American Jnl of Philology `A fine book - well ordered, clearly argued, and erudite. ... Since he is alert constantly to the varying amounts and qualities of the evidence, his definite conclusions are the more impressive when they are given. ... The candour of P's style wins the sympathy of the reader. ... P. has brought ilumination to many previously obscure parts of Athenian religion; and his patient exploration of the evidence for political, social, and cultic groupings ... he has greatly improved our knowledge of Attic history. ... This excellent book is warmly greeted.' George Huxley, Trinity College Dublin, Hermathena
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Shortlisted for Longman/History Today Book of the Year Award 1996

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780198152408
Publisert
1997
Utgiver
Vendor
Oxford University Press
Vekt
617 gr
Høyde
234 mm
Bredde
157 mm
Dybde
23 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
396

Forfatter