Ancient Greek Religion

Ancient Greek Religion provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the beliefs, myths, rituals, and deities of ancient Greece, covering the Classical and Hellenistic periods. The third edition features new contributions by Andrej and Ivana Petrovic, expanded discussion of magic and personal practices, and an updated and expanded bibliography. It is an ideal textbook for undergraduate courses and a valuable resource for graduate students, instructors, and scholars studying religious life in Classical Greece.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Ancient Greek Religion, Third Edition, is a comprehensive and engaging textbook that provides undergraduate students with a vibrant account of the religious world of ancient Greece. Written by Jon D. Mikalson, the book offers a detailed yet accessible introduction to the beliefs, myths, rituals, and deities of Greek religion.

The author vividly depicts Greek religious practice in Athens, Delphi, and Olympia during the Classical period and in select other cities during the Hellenistic period. This reader-friendly textbook explains basic concepts of Greek polytheism, describes major deities and cults, and discusses various aspects of Greek religious life in the context of the city-state, the village, the family, and the individual.

The revised third edition features new contributions by Andrej and Ivana Petrovic. It includes two new chapters: one highlighting Roman, Christian, and modern scholars' approaches to Greek religion and the other identifying the types of sources used to understand and reconstruct ancient Greek religion. The edition also expands discussion of magic and personal practices and includes an updated and expanded bibliography for each chapter.

This popular textbook offers thorough coverage of major Greek gods, heroes, myths, and cults. It presents translations of ancient texts to promote reflection and discussion. The book features a glossary of recurring Greek terms and a wealth of high-quality color maps, images, figures, and illustrations. It describes Greek religious practice from the perspectives of different worshippers, such as priests, slaves, family members, and public officials. It discusses various interpretations of the gods and the afterlife, the nature of piety and impiety, and the larger social and political context of ancient Greece.

Ancient Greek Religion, Third Edition, remains the ideal textbook for students interested in exploring the religious world of ancient Greece. Its comprehensive coverage, accessible language, and rich visual resources make it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Greek religion and its impact on ancient society.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 257 x 179 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119565628
Edition number: 3rd Edition