Greek Religion
$ 20.03
Description
Greek Religion. The book's primary focus is on the archaic and classical epochs, where Burkert describes rituals of sacrifice and libation and explains Greek beliefs about purification. He delves into the inspiration behind the great temples at Olympia, Delphi, Delos, and the Acropolis, discussing the roles of the priesthood, sanctuaries, and oracles. Walter Burkert, the most eminent living historian of ancient Greek religion, presents a definitive work on the subject in his book. Originally published in German in 1977, this seminal text has been translated into English with the author's assistance, offering a clearly structured and readable survey for both students and scholars. It is widely regarded as the best modern account of any polytheistic religious system. Burkert's work draws on archaeological discoveries, insights from various disciplines, and inscriptions in Linear B to reconstruct the practices and beliefs of the Minoan–Mycenaean age. The book's primary focus is on the archaic and classical epochs, where Burkert describes rituals of sacrifice and libation and explains Greek beliefs about purification. He delves into the inspiration behind the great temples at Olympia, Delphi, Delos, and the Acropolis, discussing the roles of the priesthood, sanctuaries, and oracles. Significant attention is given to individual gods, the position of heroes, and beliefs about the afterlife, with different festivals illuminating the role of religion in city-state society. The mystery cults at Eleusis and among the followers of Bacchus and Orpheus are also explored within this context. The book concludes with an assessment of the great classical philosophers’ attitudes towards religion. Burkert allows the evidence—from literature and legend, vase paintings, and archaeology—to speak for itself, elucidating the controversies surrounding its interpretation without glossing over the remaining enigmas. Throughout the text, updated notes for the English-language edition provide a wealth of further references, building a coherent picture of what is known about the religion of ancient Greece. Brand : Harvard University Press Author : Burkert Genre : History Binding : Paperback Publication Date : 1985 Edition : Reprint Pages : 512 Language : English
