Divinity and History: The Religion of Herodotus

by Thomas Harrison

Overview

This book is a study of the religious beliefs of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus—his beliefs in divine retribution, in oracles and divination, in miracles or in fate. It seeks to show not only how such beliefs were central to his work, but also how they were compatible with lived experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199253555
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/26/2002
Series:	Oxford Classical Monographs
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	332
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 5.56(h) x 0.72(d)

About the Author

Thomas Harrison is Lecturer in Ancient History, the University of St Andrews

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Divinity and History2. Solon and Human Fortune3. Miracles and the Miraculous4. Divine Retribution5. Oracles and Divination6. The Unity and Multiplicity of the Divine7. The Limits of Knowledge and Inquiry8. Foreign Gods and Foreign Religion9. Fate and Human Responsibility10. Epilogue

Editorial Reviews

"This is a definitive work on Herodotus and Herodotean religion—balanced, learned, and wise. It should be an exemplar for all future discussions of ancient attitudes toward the divine, and the first chapter should be required reading for all students of Herodotus. It is almost as pleasurable and rewarding to read as Herodotus himself."—Choice

"An outstanding book of erudition, indispensable to all scholars interested in Herodotus. "—History

From the Publisher