Oxford Readings in Greek Religion / Edition 1

by Richard Buxton

Overview

The study of ancient Greek religion has been excitingly renewed in the last thirty years. Key areas of interest have been: the relationship between religion and politics; new and unexpected perspectives opened up by archaeological finds; the symbiosis between myth and ritual; the role of gender differences in the practice and perception of religion; conceptual problems raised by the very notion of "religion." This volume gathers together challenging papers by many of the most innovative participants in this renewal. Almost all the articles have been revised by their authors and/or provided with Addenda, to take account of the most recent scholarship. One article has been translated specifically for this collection; another is for the first time provided with illustrations. No single school or style of approach is privileged: the aim is to illustrate a range of possible methods which may be adopted in the investigation of this endlessly fascinating material. The volume also contains an important introductory essay by Richard Buxton.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198721901
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	03/22/2001
Series:	Oxford Readings in Classical Studies
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Richard Buxton is Professor of Greek Language and Literature at the University of Bristol and the author of several books about ancient Greek literature, including From Myth to Reason (OUP, 1999).

Table of Contents

Religion in SocietyWhat is Polis Religion? Further aspects of Polis religionTribes, festivals, and processions: Civic ceremonial and political manipulation in archaicGreeceGreek states and Greek oraclesFrom Oedipus to Periander: Lameness, tyranny, incest in legend and historyArchaeology of the SacredDemeter in the ancient Greek city and its countrysideGreek sanctuaries as places of refugeThe archaeology of the heroVotives and votaries in Greek sanctuariesMyths and RitualsJason, Hypsipyle, and New Fire at Lemnos: A study of myth and ritualThe Locrian maidensScapegoat rituals in ancient GreeceWomen and sacrifice in classical GreeceBoundary DisputesGreek magic, Greek religionMisconceptualizing classical mythology

Editorial Reviews

"This is a very meaty volume comprising essays by some of the most distinguished students of religion."—Borimir Jordan, University of California, Santa Barbara

From the Publisher