Abstract

Abstract Judging from the epigraphic record, the first through third centuries BCE saw the rise of a large number of private cult associations throughout the Greek-speaking world. This was particularly true of Athens. Some associations, however, were more devout than others, at least according to modern historians who have seen in associations of eranistai groups of “venture capitalists” operating under a religious pretext. This paper challenges the traditional taxonomy of cult associations by way of a re-examination of the literary and epigraphic evidence and a comparison between eranistai and other cult associations, primarily thiasōtai and orgeōnes, with a specific focus on various aspects of organisation, membership, and activities in Hellenistic Athens.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.