Serving Athena: The Festival of the Panathenaia and the Construction of Athenian Identities

The Panathenaia was an important festival in ancient Athens that celebrated Athena from the middle of the sixth century BC until the end of the fourth century AD. This study examines how the festival affected individuals' identities and how it played an important role in negotiating what it meant to be Athenian. Julia Shear applies theories of identity formation to the ancient Greek material to provide a better understanding of the festival and Athenian identities over its long history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 554 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In ancient Athens, the Panathenaia held immense significance as the most revered festival, dedicated to the worship of Athena from the middle of the sixth century BC until the end of the fourth century AD. This comprehensive examination delves into the intricate ways in which this all-encompassing celebration served as a platform for constructing identities and the profound impact it had on those identities. It is noteworthy that not everyone participated in the festival in the same manner, leading to diverse expressions of individual relationships with the goddess and the city. This differential participation played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of what it meant to be Athenian (and non-Athenian). By applying theories of identity formation developed in the social sciences, Julia Shear offers a fresh perspective on the ancient Greek material, drawing upon historical, epigraphical, and archaeological evidence to provide a deeper understanding of this pivotal occasion and the evolution of Athenian identities throughout the festival's long history.

ISBN-13: 9781108719384