Gods and Goddesses in Ancient Italy

This collection explores the diverse gods and goddesses worshipped in ancient Italy, examining their context, material remains, written record, and later scholarship. It challenges modern historians to cope with the multiplicity of deities and their visual representations, offering different perspectives on these problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This collection delves into the intricate tapestry of the gods and goddesses revered in ancient Italy, exploring their multifaceted nature through a comprehensive examination of Italic, Etruscan, and Latin deities in their historical, material, and written contexts. It also considers the influence of Greco-Roman scholarship on these texts, shedding light on the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that flourished in ancient Italy.

In ancient Italy, a multitude of deities were worshipped by diverse individuals and communities, employing various languages, visiting distinct sanctuaries, and serving diverse purposes. This rich diversity presents a formidable challenge for modern historians seeking to unravel the historical significance of these deities. How can we navigate this complex terrain? Can we reduce the multiplicity to a conceptual unity that enables us to provide meaningful historical interpretations? How can we evaluate the equivalence of deities named in different languages, such as Artemis and Diana? How can we interpret the visual representations of deities without accompanying written texts? Can we reconstruct the meanings that these deities held for their local worshippers, considering that the majority of our sources were authored by Romans and Greeks?

To address these questions, this book brings together a distinguished group of ten scholars from the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Poland, each specializing in a particular god or goddess. Their diverse perspectives offer a rich tapestry of insights, providing valuable perspectives on these complex issues.

Gods and Goddesses in Ancient Italy serves as an indispensable resource for scholars engaged in the study of ancient Roman and Italian religion. It offers a comprehensive examination of the gods and goddesses, their historical contexts, material manifestations, and written records, while also considering the influence of Greco-Roman scholarship. By exploring these multifaceted aspects, this collection provides a deeper understanding of the rich religious heritage of ancient Italy and its enduring impact on the world.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337487