Greek Religion: Archaic and ClassicalFirst published in German in 1977, Greek Religion: Archaic and Classical has now been translated into English with the assistance of the author himself. A clearly structured and readable survey for students and scholars, it will be welcomed as the best modern account of any polytheistic religious system. Burkert draws on archaeological discoveries, insights from other disciplines, and inscriptions in Linear B to reconstruct the practices and beliefs of the Minoan–Mycenaean age. The major part of his book is devoted to the archaic and classical epochs. He describes the various rituals of sacrifice and libation and explains Greek beliefs about purification. He investigates the inspiration behind the great temples at Olympia, Delphi, Delos, and the Acropolis—discussing the priesthood, sanctuary, and oracles. Considerable attention is given to the individual gods, the position of the heroes, and beliefs about the afterlife. The different festivals are used to illuminate the place of religion in the society of the city-state. The mystery cults, at Eleusis and among the followers of Bacchus and Orpheus, are also set in that context. The book concludes with an assessment of the great classical philosophers’ attitudes to religion. |
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2nd edn according Aeschylus already altar ancient animal Aphrodite Apollo appears Artemis associated Athena becomes beginning blood called carried celebrated century connected continuity course cult dance dead death Demeter Dionysos divine early earth especially evidence existence fact festival FGrHist figures fire gifts gives goddess gods grave Greek hand Hera Heracles Hermes heroes Hesperia Homeric honour human Hymn important individual initiation interpretation Italy kind king Knossos known later leads libation means Messenia Minoan mother Mycenaean mysteries myth mythology natural nevertheless offerings once origin paintings Paus period person Plat Plato Plut Poseidon present priest procession purification relation religion remains ritual sacred sacrifice sanctuary seems soul stands status stone temple tradition wine women Zeus