Studies in Ancient Society: Hellenistic Religions - AHPG822
This unit examines continuity and change in Greek religion in the period after the conquests of Alexander the Great. Themes to be investigated include: ancient and modern concepts of 'religion', the social shape of religious practice, the social function/s of religion, the 'internationalisation' of religion, and the relationship between cult and personal belief.
Topics to be discussed: Oracles; ruler cult; 'Euhemerism'; private cults; official civic cults; Magic and subversive religion; the cult of Tyche; Sarapis, Isis and the new international cults; Hellenistic Mysteries; Forms of Judaism as Hellenistic religions; Pauline Christianity; Plutarch and the alignment of religion and philosophy.
Course structures, including unit offerings, are subject to change.
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