Private Associations in the Ancient Greek World: Regulations and the Creation of Group Identity

This book explores the strategies of governance employed by private associations in the ancient Greek world and beyond, emphasizing the values fostered by regulations, the complexities of the private-public divide, and the dynamics of regional and global networks and group identity. It also examines the relationship between rules and religious sanctions and explores possible links between ancient associations and the early Christian churches.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the ancient Greek world and beyond, private associations thrived, and this comprehensive volume offers the first extensive exploration of the governance strategies employed by these organizations. The study emphasizes the values fostered by association regulations, the complexities of the private-public divide and its impact on polis institutions, as well as the dynamics of regional and global networks and group identity. The examination of attested connections between rules and religious sanctions sheds light on the relationship between legal history and religion. Additionally, the potential links between ancient associations and the early Christian churches hold significant value for scholars of the New Testament. The book concludes by examining the regulations of associations through a unique lens, shedding light on the interaction between the Mediterranean world, India, and China. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

In the ancient Greek world and beyond, private associations thrived, and this comprehensive volume offers the first extensive exploration of the governance strategies employed by these organizations. The study emphasizes the values fostered by association regulations, the complexities of the private-public divide and its impact on polis institutions, as well as the dynamics of regional and global networks and group identity. The examination of attested connections between rules and religious sanctions sheds light on the relationship between legal history and religion. Additionally, the potential links between ancient associations and the early Christian churches hold significant value for scholars of the New Testament. The book concludes by examining the regulations of associations through a unique lens, shedding light on the interaction between the Mediterranean world, India, and China. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

ISBN-13: 9781009281300