Using archaeological, epigraphic, and literary sources; and incorporating current scholarly theories, this volume will serve as an excellent companion to any introduction to Greek mythology, showing a side of the Greek gods to which most students are rarely exposed.
Detailed enough to be used as a quick reference tool or text, and providing a readable account focusing on the oldest, most widespread, and most interesting religious practices of the ancient Greek world in the Archaic and Classical periods, Ancient Greek Cults surveys ancient Greek religion through the cults of its gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines.
Jennifer Larson conveniently summarizes a vast amount of material in many languages, normally inaccessible to undergrad students, and explores, in detail, the variety of cults celebrated by the Greeks, how these cults differed geographically, and how each deity was conceptualized in local cult titles and rituals.
Including an introductory chapter on sources and methods, and suggestions for further reading this book will allow readers to gain a fresh perspective on Greek religion.
1. Methods, Sources and Concepts for the Study of Ancient Greek Cults 2. Zeus 3. Hera 4. Athena 5. Poseidon 6. Demeter 7. Apollo 8. Artemis 9. Aphrodite 10. Dionysos 11. Hermes and Nature Deities 12. Other Panhellenic Deities 13. Latecomer and Regional Deities 14. Hero-Gods and Heroine-Goddesses 15. Heroes and Heroines
Biography
Jennifer Larson
'Jennifer Larson's guide to Ancient Greek Cults is a handy and accessible companion, designed, at least in part, to introduce the topic to monolingual English-speaking students, doubling up the role of quick reference work and readable account' – Ancient West and East