Pilgrims and pilgrimage in ancient Greece / Matthew Dillon.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dillon, Matthew, 1963-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Pilgrims and pilgrimages--Greece--History.

Pilgrims and pilgrimages.

History.

Greece--Religious life and customs.

Greece.

Temples--Greece.

Temples.

Rites and ceremonies--Greece.

Rites and ceremonies.

Physical Description:

xix, 308 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, [1997]

Summary:

"Pilgrims and Pilgrimage in Ancient Greece" explores the religious motivations for pilgrimage and reveals the main preoccupations of worshippers in Ancient Greece. Dillon examines the main sanctuaries of Delphi, Epidauros and Olympia, as well as the lesser known oracle of Didyma in Asia Minor and the festivals at the Isthmus of Corinth. He discusses the modes of travel to the sites, means of communication between pilgrims and the religious and ritual practices at the sanctuaries themselves. A unique insight into pilgrimage in ancient Greece is presented, focusing on the diverse aspects of pilgrimage; the role of women and children, the religious festivals of different ethnic groups and the colorful celebrations including music, athletics and equestrian events. "Pilgrims and Pilgrimage in Ancient Greece" is an accessible and fascinating volume, revealing how "pilgrimage" contributes to Greek religion as a whole.

Contents:

Official pilgrimage invitations and sacred truces

The sanctity of Greek pilgrims

Pilgrimage destinations I: mystery cults, healing sanctuaries and oracles

Pilgrimage destinations II: contests at Panhellenic festivals

Pilgrimages by ethnic groups

Cult regulations at sanctuaries

The female pilgrim

Organisational requirements at pilgrimage sites.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 279-283) and index.

ISBN:

0415127750

OCLC:

37595317