Myth and History: Close Encounters

This book explores the relationship between myth and history in Greek and Roman antiquity, offering original ideas, new interpretations, and reevaluations of key texts and less well-known passages. It covers a wide range of literary genres, from Greek epics to lyric poetry, historiography, dramatic poetry, and beyond, and appeals to students and academic researchers in the areas of classics, social and political history, archaeology, and social anthropology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

The captivating interplay between myth and history in ancient times has long captivated the scholarly world, fueling a relentless pursuit of understanding. This intricate relationship has given rise to diverse methodological approaches, each shedding light on the multifaceted nature of myth. Within the broader realm of interdisciplinary discourse, this volume takes us on a journey back to the origins, exploring the intricate association and interaction between myth and history across various literary genres in Greek and Roman antiquity. This era, preceding the rigid scientific definitions and distinctions between myth and history, presents a unique opportunity to uncover fresh insights, reinterpretations, and evaluations of pivotal texts and lesser-known passages. Through meticulous close readings and comprehensive overviews, the twenty-four chapters of this volume span from the grand narratives of Greek epics to the poignant lyric poetry, from the art of historical storytelling to the dramatic poetry of the stage, even venturing into the realms of Roman era and late antiquity. The editors of this volume hold a fervent hope that it will resonate with students and academic researchers alike, spanning the fields of classics, social and political history, archaeology, and even social anthropology. By delving into the rich tapestry of ancient myth and history, we embark on a journey of discovery, unearthing the profound connections that have shaped our world and illuminating the enduring legacy of these timeless narratives.

Weight: 828g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110779585