ABSTRACT

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.

chapter 2|14 pages

PROGENITOR AND KING: Zeus

chapter 3|12 pages

LADY OF GRAND TEMPLES: Hera

chapter 4|16 pages

MISTRESS OF CITADELS: Athena

chapter 5|12 pages

RULER OF ELEMENTAL POWERS: Poseidon

chapter 6|17 pages

MISTRESSES OF GRAIN AND SOULS: Demeter and

chapter 7|15 pages

GUARDING AND GUIDING THE CITY: Apollo

chapter 8|13 pages

THE TENDER AND THE SAVAGE: Artemis

chapter 9|12 pages

THE PERSUASIVE GODDESS: Aphrodite

chapter 10|18 pages

EPIPHANY AND TRANSFORMATION: Dionysos

chapter 15|12 pages

THE POWERFUL DEAD: Heroes and heroines