Ancient Greek Religion provides an introduction to the fundamental beliefs; practices; and major deities of Greek religion. Focuses on Athens in the classical period Includes detailed discussion of Greek gods and heroes; myth and cult; and vivid descriptions of Greek religion as it was practiced Ancient texts are presented in boxes to promote thought and discussion; and abundant illustrations help readers visualize the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece Revised edition includes additional boxed texts and bibliography; an 8-page color plate section; a new discussion of the nature of Greek “piety;†and a new chapter on Greek Religion and Greek Culture
#341330 in Books Komnene; Anna/ Sewter; E. R. A. (TRN)/ Frankopan; Peter (INT) 2009-09-29 2009-09-29Original language:Ancient GreekPDF # 1 7.78 x 1.08 x 5.08l; .96 #File Name: 0140455272608 pagesPenguin Books
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The translator does and excellent job and Anna seems quite candid in her writingBy L M PistorThe translator does and excellent job and Anna seems quite candid in her writing.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great History; Tough ReadBy Aaron GiddingsI picked up this book after reading the Minimum Wage Historian's write-up of Anna Komnene in Fearless: Powerful Women of History.I'm really not sure what I was expecting. If you're a scholar or hugely interested in Byzantine history around the 11th century; then this is a good choice; full of battle facts and city locations. Otherwise; it's pretty slow reading. There are some bits that are interesting insights into the character and views of the author herself (which is rare and interesting; considering when she wrote her history) but unfortunately; most of the book is a very dry recitation of facts.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A heavy but fascinating readBy Filip StuerAs 12-century Byzantine histories go; this is a heavy read with its repetitions and religious invocations. And yet it's also fascinating because this history written by Byzantine princess Anna Comnena (born in the purple; as she won't let you forget) provides a unique insight in the history of Byzantium seen from within. They felt they were the Roman Empire; and looked down on Western Europeans ('Franks') for their greed; duplicity and aggression; at best with 'noble savage' clichés that Europeans themselves have since been using for other groups. There are always wars going on; be it with the Turks; the Normans encroaching from Southern Italy or even the Crusaders. From this history; it transpires that many crusaders were just keen to conquer any territory; Byzantine or Saracene.I came away from this book with a deeper understanding of the various nuances of the word 'Byzantine': religiosity bordering on fanaticism; cruel palace intrigues (I lost count keeping track of how many people got their eyes gouged out when they fell out of favour) and shrewd double-timing diplomacy in a turbulent world.
