Ancient Greek Religion

Ancient Greek Religion presents a vivid account of the beliefs and major deities of Greece during the Classical period. Incorporating a wealth of literary, artistic, archaeological, and epigraphical sources, this student-friendly textbook describes Greek religious life in the context of the city-state, the village, the family, and the individual. Exploring Greek polytheism from the perspectives of different worshippers, readers develop a well-rounded understanding of gods and heroes, rituals and practices, cults and myths, concepts of piety and the afterlife, and more. Now in its third edition, Ancient Greek Religion includes brand-new chapters describing modern approaches to the study of ancient Greek religion and the sources used by scholars to understand and reconstruct this religion. A new section exploring private practices and magic in ancient Greece is joined by an expanded bibliography, additional further readings, a glossary of Greek terms, and numerous maps and illustrations. Covering Classical Athens as well as cults at Delphi and Olympia and several Hellenistic cults elsewhere, Ancient Greek Religion is the perfect textbook for introductory courses on Greek religion as well as courses in ancient religions, Greek and Roman religion, and Greek history and civilization.