Book Series

Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

Routledge is pleased to present an exciting new series, Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World. These figures of classical antiquity are embedded in our culture, many functioning as the sources of creative inspiration for poets, novelists, artists, composers and filmmakers. These concise and comprehensive guides provide a thorough understanding of each figure, offering the latest in critical research from the leading scholars in the field in an accessible and approachable form, making them ideal for undergraduates in Classics and related disciplines.

Concerned with their multifaceted aspects within the world of ancient paganism and how and why these figures continue to fascinate, the books provide a route into understanding Greek and Roman polytheism in the 21^st century.

Each volume includes illustrations, time charts, family trees and maps where appropriate.

New and Published Books

1-10 of 10 results in Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

Page:
1

Herakles

By Emma Stafford

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

There is more material available on Herakles than any other Greek god or hero. His story has many more episodes than those of other heroes, concerning his life and death as well as his battles with myriad monsters and other opponents. In literature, he appears in our earliest Greek epic...

Published November 27th 2011 by Routledge
Aphrodite

By Monica S. Cyrino

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

Aphrodite explores the many myths and meanings of the Greek goddess of love, sex and beauty. One of the most widely worshipped and popular deities in Greek antiquity, Aphrodite emerges from the imaginations of the ancient Greek writers and artists as a multifaceted, powerful and charismatic figure....

Published March 28th 2010 by Routledge
Apollo

By Fritz Graf

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

Fritz Graf here presents a survey of a god once thought of as the most powerful of gods, and capable of great wrath should he be crossed: Apollo the sun god. From his first attestations in Homer, through the complex question of pre-Homeric Apollo, to the opposition between Apollo and Dionysos in...

Published October 15th 2008 by Routledge
Athena

By Susan Deacy

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

In this definitive assessment of the various representations and approaches to Athena, Susan Deacy does what no other has done before and brings all the aspects of this legendary figure into one, outstanding study. A survey of one of the most enduringly popular of ancient deities, the book&...

Published February 7th 2008 by Routledge
Perseus

By Daniel Ogden

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

The son of Zeus, Perseus belongs in the first rank of Greek heroes. Indeed to some he was a greater hero even than Heracles. With the help of Hermes and Athena he slew the Gorgon Medusa, conquered a mighty sea monster and won the hand of the beautiful princess Andromeda. This volume tells of his...

Published February 7th 2008 by Routledge
Oedipus

By Lowell Edmunds

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

An indispensable guide to the myth of Oedipus this book is the first to analyze its long and varied history from ancient times to the modern day, and presented with an authoritative survey that considers Oedipus in art and music as well as in literature. Lowell Edmunds accepts this variation as...

Published October 10th 2006 by Routledge
Dionysos

By Richard Seaford

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

Covering a wide range of issues which have been overlooked in the past, including mystery, cult and philosophy, Richard Seaford explores Dionysos – one of the most studied figures of the ancient Greek gods. Popularly known as the god of wine and frenzied abandon, and an influential figure for...

Published June 29th 2006 by Routledge
Prometheus

By Carol Dougherty

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

With no recent publications discussing Prometheus at length, this book provides a much-needed introduction to the Promethean myth of this rebellious god who defied Zeus to steal fire for mankind. Seeking to locate the nature of this compelling tale’s continuing relevance throughout history, Carol...

Published December 12th 2005 by Routledge
Medea

By Emma Griffiths

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

Giving access to the latest critical thinking on the subject, Medea is a comprehensive guide to sources that paints a vivid portrait of the Greek sorceress Medea, famed in myth for the murder of her children after she is banished from her own home and replaced by a new wife. Emma Griffiths brings...

Published December 12th 2005 by Routledge
Zeus

By Ken Dowden

Series: Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

The first book to capture a complete picture of the most important of Greek gods in one reliable volume for almost seventy years, this masterly and comprehensive study brings a new-millennium examination of the fascinating god Zeus. Broad in scope, the book looks at myth, art, cult,...

Published December 8th 2005 by Routledge