Identity and cult in Roman imperial Athens / Leslie Caroline Kelly.

Format:

Book

Manuscript

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Kelly, Leslie Caroline.

Contributor:

McInerney, Jeremy, 1958- advisor.

University of Pennsylvania.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Penn dissertations--Ancient history.

Ancient history--Penn dissertations.

Local Subjects:

Penn dissertations--Ancient history.

Ancient history--Penn dissertations.

Physical Description:

vii, 187 pages ; 29 cm

Production:

2010.

Summary:

Throughout the classical and Hellenistic periods, Athens had attempted, with consistent success, to present itself over against other Greek cities with prominent cultic traditions as the best divine caretaker, offering spectacular cult to both the gods of its own city and to the great panhellenic gods such as Zeus, Apollo, and the Goddesses at Eleusis. In the Roman imperial period, this tradition intensified and took on a new significance as the realm of public, state cult became one of the few remaining platforms for asserting Greek identity and retaining some measure of local autonomy. At the same time, it was in part due to Athens' reputation as a pious city, as a city particularly favored by the gods and peculiarly devoted to them, that Athens was able to cultivate an image of itself as Roman equals. The Romans believed that they had won the right to rule because of their twin national strengths: superiority in arms and devotion to the gods. In response, the Athenians pointed to their own past as the best of the Greeks not only in warfare but in piety. Cult was the medium by which they were able to effect this self-promotion. It was particularly through the cult of the Mysteries at Eleusis that Athens was able to present itself as a city that was superior to other Greeks, equal to Rome.

Notes:

Adviser: Jeremy McInerney.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Ancient History) -- University of Pennsylvania, 2010.

Includes bibliographical references and index.