Athenian Religion: A History

Tantalizingly little documented, ancient Greek religion is all too often reduced to the dry analysis of archaeological remains. This major new work, by the most prestigious expert on the subject in the UK, is a revolutionary attempt to bring ancient religion to life, and promises to be the definitive work on the subject for many years to come.

Tantalizingly inadequately documented, ancient Greek religion can all too easily be reduced to the dry analysis of archaeological remains and so-called "ritual objects", or the isolated interpretation of other scattered fragments of evidence. This authoritative new work is an innovative attempt to bridge the gap that usually divides Greek religion from Greek history, setting it firmly in the thick of contemporary events and politics. The book discusses the actual dates and circumstances of the foundation of temples at Athens, its festivals and cults, the historical development of the social structures within which religious activities took place, and the effects on the religious sphere of the radical shift in Athens'' political life from tyranny to democracy and the acquisition of an empire. Dr Parker brings to life the details of what actually went on in worship, considers the introduction of new gods and looks in detail at such key personalities and events in the religious history of Athens as Lycurgus the Eteoboutad and his religious policies and the trial of Socrates. Rich in detail and providing a wealth of information, this is a book that promises to be the definitive work on the subject for some time to come. It covers the whole of the archaic, classical, and hellenestic period up to the middle of the third century BC.