Processions and the Construction of Communities in Antiquity: History and Comparative Perspectives

This book explores how processions create consensus about political power and communitarian experiences from antiquity to the present, comparing ancient and modern examples. It demonstrates the performative capacity of processions to construct reality through image and movement, cultic itineraries, and public participation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the multifaceted role of processions in shaping consensus concerning political power and communal experiences throughout history. While classical sources often overlook processions in favor of other ritualistic elements, such as sacrifice, this book adopts a comparative approach, drawing upon the expertise of historians specializing in antiquity and later periods, as well as social anthropologists studying contemporary societies. By examining both ancient and modern examples, the book explores the intricate interplay between rituals, symbols, actors, and spectators in the construction of communities.

The diverse examples analyzed within this study serve as vivid illustrations of the transformative power of processions. Through the lens of image and movement, the protagonism of cultic itineraries, and the active participation of members of the public, readers gain a profound understanding of how power is exercised, perceived, and legitimized. By studying these case studies, readers develop a comprehensive grasp of the boundaries and limitations of community in a wide range of historical contexts.

Processions and the Construction of Communities in Antiquity holds immense appeal to students and scholars engaged in the study of classical and early Christian worlds, particularly those focused on cult, religion, and community formation. Moreover, this volume resonates with social anthropologists interested in these topics across a broader chronology, offering valuable insights into the enduring significance of processions in human societies.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032294490