The role of human sacrifice in the ancient Mediterranean world and its implications continue to be topics that fire the popular imagination and engender scholarly discussion and controversy. This volume provides balanced and judicious treatments of the various facets of these topics from a crossdisciplinary and crosscultural perspective. It provides nuanced examinations of ancient ritual; exploring the various meanings that human sacrifice held for antiquity; and examines its varied repercussions up into the modern world. The book explores evidence to shed new light on the origins of the rite; to whom these sacrifices were offered; and by whom they were performed. It presents fresh insights into the social and religious meanings of this practice in its varied biblical landscape and ancient contexts; and demonstrates how human sacrifice has captured the imagination of later writers who have employed it in diverse cultural and theological discourses to convey their own views and ideologies. It provides valuable perspectives for understanding key cultural; theological and ideological dimensions; such as the sacrifice of Christ; scapegoating;selfsacrifice and martyrdom in postbiblical and modern times.
#864061 in Books Jim Lacey 2013-04-09 2013-04-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .58 x 5.45l; .47 #File Name: 0553385755272 pagesThe First Clash The Miraculous Greek Victory at Marathon and Its Impact on Western Civilization
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Battle of Marathon: Interesting RecreationBy Steven PetersonThere is not a great deal known about the battle of Marathon; in which the Athenians and some others held back the horde of Persians; who were invading Greece. It is high testimony to the author's skills that he; nonetheless; has authored a fine book on the subject. Much of the book is background. Why did the Persians invade Greece? Why did Athens take on this vast military machine? Lacey does a good job on this background work; freely acknowledging what is his speculation and what is the best we can reconstruct from fragmentary historical evidence.The lead up to the battle itself is described starting with Chapter 17. Since little is known about the specifics of the actual battle; there is not much detail. Chapter 21 addresses some of the questions about Marathon: Where was the Persian cavalry? Why didn't the Athenians wait for the arrival of Spartan reinforcements? Who actually commanded the Greek forces?Sometimes; the writing is less than felicitous; but; overall; a nice volume for those wishing to learn more about the battle of Marathon and its implications. . . .0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. They were more fun; but I am glad to have read this ...By old guyJim Lacey doesn't try to be too authoritative about things we know little about. That makes his tale of the Battle of Marathon a first rate pleasure to read. It begins with a rundown of the growth of Persian power and the putdown of the Ionian rebellion; which helped pave the way for further expansion out of the Levant and onto Mediterranean lands. First in line was Thrace; then Greek's city states. This was before the days of Athenian empire but not the day of the hoplite. Lacey makes it clear that different historians have different ideas about all these happenings. Perhaps lacking bona fides himself; he is almost humble in choosing his belief in who was the actual Athenian in charge of the victors. The author doesn't attack anyone's beliefs; he just admits that we don't know for sure. He also admits to not knowing why the Athenians attacked the Persian force without waiting for Spartan support; which was on the way. He does explain his reasons for the side he takes. The book has footnotes; but it is clearly written for public release. I read fictional accounts about this battle; which was billed as the savior of Western civilization; when I was a kid. They were more fun; but I am glad to have read this account if only because Lacey; though with doubt in his heart; takes the side of Victor Davis Hanson; popular Classical historical writer in California; who is under attack for believing that Western armies are generally superior to all others. Even though I am an exMarine I won't get into that other than to state there is good evidence the Greeks had the East where it hurts; at least until the Ottoman Turks showed up.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good read from a great authorBy KayExcellent historical account of the battle of Marathon. Well researched. Author teaches military history at the Marine War College - and he travelled several hours from his home in Virginia to the Army War College in PA with an armload of books to meet my teenaged son; who was competing in the PA state finals for the National History Day Competition. His trip was inspired by an email my son sent asking Dr. Lacey about his book and about certain aspects of the battle. What a nice guy. If you like military history; I highly recommend his other books - they are all well researched and very well written. My son read The First Clash in a single sitting - he could not put it down.
