Greek Religion in Tauric Chersonesos

Tauric Chersonesos was a prominent ancient Greek center on the north coast of the Black Sea, founded by the Herakleians and Delians. Its religion was influenced by the pantheon of the polis, with the worship of the gods forming a key factor in the community's consolidation and the beliefs surrounding these deities playing a significant role in civic life. This study sheds new light on the religious life of the Chersonesan polis at various stages in its development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Tauric Chersonesos, an ancient Greek center situated on the northern coast of the Black Sea, holds a prominent place in history. Founded by the Herakleians and accompanied by a small group of Delians, Chersonesos stands as the sole Dorian city in the region. This distinctive identity is evident in numerous events and phenomena throughout its history and culture, particularly in its religion, which permeates every aspect of the private and public lives of its population.

The ideological landscape of each polis, shaped by its unique historical development, exerted a profound influence on both public religious practices and the religious beliefs of individual families and individuals. The worship of the gods within the pantheon of the polis played a crucial role in consolidating the community, while the beliefs surrounding these deities played a significant part in shaping the concrete events of civic life.

In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the religious life of the Chersonesan polis, this study relies on a wealth of available sources, including written records, epigraphic inscriptions, images of gods and their iconography on coins and sculptures, as well as archaeological remains of cult structures. Through meticulous analysis of these sources, this study sheds new light on the religious practices and beliefs of this ancient Greek center at different stages of its development.

The study explores the worship of the gods within the Chersonesan pantheon, examining the various deities and their significance to the community. It delves into the rituals and ceremonies associated with these deities, as well as the architectural structures and artifacts that were dedicated to their worship. The study also examines the relationship between the religious life of the polis and the broader cultural and political context of the region, highlighting the ways in which religion influenced social and political structures.

Furthermore, the study sheds light on the religious beliefs and practices of individual families and individuals within the Chersonesan polis. It explores the ways in which these beliefs were transmitted and interpreted, as well as the role that religion played in shaping personal identity and social relationships. The study also considers the impact of religious practices on the health and well-being of the population, examining the use of sacred spaces and objects for therapeutic purposes.

In conclusion, this comprehensive study of the cults of the gods of the Chersonesan polis provides a valuable insight into the religious life of this ancient Greek center. By examining the available sources and analyzing the religious practices and beliefs of the community, this study contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of ancient Greek religion and society.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 174 x 245 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803275628