Aspects of Death and the Afterlife in Greek Literature

The concept of the afterlife has always been a central theme in Greek literature and modern scholarship, leading to questions about how to live life and deal with mortality. This volume examines the influences, intersections, and developments of understandings of death and the afterlife between poetic, religious, and philosophical traditions in ancient Greece, demonstrating the richness, complexity, and flexibility of these ideas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2024
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The concept of the afterlife has held a prominent place in both Greek literature and modern scholarship, captivating the minds of poets, philosophers, and religious scholars alike. It explores the fate of individuals after their earthly existence, raising profound questions about the best way to live life and confront the inherent burden of mortality. The Greeks dedicated a significant portion of their literary output to addressing these existential inquiries through various mediums, showcasing their deep fascination with the afterlife. This volume, the first of its kind, delves into the influences, intersections, and developments of understandings of death and the afterlife within poetic, religious, and philosophical traditions in ancient Greece.

Greek thinking on death and the afterlife was multifaceted, complex, and ever-evolving. It encompassed a wide range of perspectives and beliefs, reflecting the diverse cultural and intellectual traditions of the ancient Greek world. By examining these matters in an interdisciplinary context, this collection of papers aims to showcase the full richness, complexity, and flexibility of these ideas. Contributors to the volume include renowned scholars from various fields, each bringing their unique expertise to the study of ancient Greek eschatology.

Alberto Benarbé, Rick Benitez, Nicolo Benzi, Chiara Blanco, Radcliffe Edmonds, George Alexander Gazis, Anthony Hooper, Vaios Liapis, Alex Long, and Ioannis Ziogas are among the contributors who have contributed their insights to this comprehensive examination. Their papers explore various aspects of death and the afterlife, including the role of the soul, the nature of the afterlife, the influence of religion on eschatological beliefs, and the connections between poetry, philosophy, and religion in shaping understandings of the end of life.

Through their scholarly contributions, the authors shed light on the intricate web of ideas that permeated ancient Greek society regarding death and the afterlife. They demonstrate how writers from different genres, such as epic poetry, lyric poetry, philosophical treatises, and religious texts, drew inspiration from each other's thinking and crafted their own unique perspectives on the subject. The volume also highlights the historical and cultural contexts in which these ideas developed, emphasizing the role of religion, philosophy, and literature in shaping the ancient Greeks' understanding of the afterlife.

In conclusion, this volume offers a groundbreaking exploration of the influences, intersections, and developments of understandings of death and the afterlife in ancient Greece. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of ancient Greek thought and culture. By examining these matters in an interdisciplinary context, the collection illuminates the full richness, complexity, and flexibility of these ideas and sheds light on the enduring fascination.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802074802