Introduction

Abstract

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book sets forth the theoretical framework for relating the topics of ritual, emotion, and materiality. It describes the framework and provide a basis for the chapters that deal primarily with materiality in ancient culture. The book shows how profitable the analysis of archaeological evidence is for understanding water rites. It examines emotions, rituals, and places in early Christian texts. The book discusses the baptismal scenes that give meaning to urban and rural spaces. It describes the work of Angelos Chaniotis and his collaborators on unveiling emotion in the ancient Greek and Roman world. The book presents two case studies informed by affect theory and the work of Chaniotis and his colleagues, one concerning the emotions depicted in narratives about baptism, and the second concerning emotions aroused by early Christian dietary and dining practices.