Inadequately documented; ancient Greek religion can all too easily be reduced to the dry analysis of archaeological remains and so-called `ritual objects'. This authoritative new work attempts to bridge the gap that usually divides Greek religion from Greek history; setting it firmly in the thick of contemporary events and politics. How did people actually worship the gods? Was Socrates's trial a crisis for religion or the state; or both? These are among the key issues addressed in what promises to be the definitive work on the subject for many years to come.
#2556426 in Books Oxford University Press; USA 1998-02-26 1998-02-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.20 x .90 x 9.00l; 1.43 #File Name: 019815240X400 pages
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Definitive; if Rough Sledding for NovicesBy J. Bradley HicksWow. Simply; wow. I have spent many years waiting for someone to write a book on this topic.You can turn over any rock and find a book on Greek mythology; but books about the actual practice of ancient Hellenic religion are not easily found. Finally; Robert Parker fills the gap.I will warn you that the book seems to have been written primarily for Classics scholars. If you know little or no ancient Greek history and mythology; Parker will not slow down to explain these topics to you. Similarly; it will really help if you can read a little Greek.But if you can keep up with it; this book is incredibly rewarding.
