Description
Book Synopsis: In this sumptuously illustrated book, Joan Breton Connelly gives us the first comprehensive cultural history of priestesses in the ancient Greek world. Connelly presents the fullest and most vivid picture yet of how priestesses lived and worked, from the most famous and sacred of them—the Delphic Oracle and the priestess of Athena Polias—to basket bearers and handmaidens. Along the way, she challenges long-held beliefs to show that priestesses played far more significant public roles in ancient Greece than previously acknowledged.
Connelly builds this history through a pioneering examination of archaeological evidence in the broader context of literary sources, inscriptions, sculpture, and vase painting. Ranging from southern Italy to Asia Minor, and from the late Bronze Age to the fifth century A.D., she brings the priestesses to life—their social origins, how they progressed through many sacred roles on the path to priesthood, and even how they dressed. She sheds light on the rituals they performed, the political power they wielded, their systems of patronage and compensation, and how they were honored, including in death. Connelly shows that understanding the complexity of priestesses' lives requires us to look past the simple lines we draw today between public and private, sacred and secular.
The remarkable picture that emerges reveals that women in religious office were not as secluded and marginalized as we have thought—that religious office was one arena in ancient Greece where women enjoyed privileges and authority comparable to that of men. Connelly concludes by examining women's roles in early Christianity, taking on the larger issue of the exclusion of women from the Christian priesthood. This paperback edition includes additional maps and a glossary for student use.
Details
Unlock the secrets of ancient Greece with "Portrait of a Priestess: Women and Ritual in Ancient Greece". Delve into the captivating world of priestesses with Joan Breton Connelly as she presents the first comprehensive cultural history of these enigmatic women. Through meticulous research and stunning illustrations, Connelly paints a vivid picture of the lives and work of priestesses, revealing their significant public roles in ancient Greece. Challenge long-held beliefs and discover a world where women enjoyed privileges and authority comparable to that of men.
Experience the thrill of uncovering buried truths as Connelly weaves together archaeological evidence, literary sources, inscriptions, sculpture, and vase painting. From the famous Delphic Oracle and the priestess of Athena Polias to humble basket bearers and handmaidens, "Portrait of a Priestess" provides a thorough exploration of the priestess's journey. Discover their social origins, progression through sacred roles, and even how they dressed. Gain insight into the rituals they performed, the political power they wielded, and their systems of patronage and compensation.
But the story does not end there. Connelly takes her revolutionary analysis a step further by examining women's roles in early Christianity and tackling the exclusion of women from the Christian priesthood. As you immerse yourself in this fascinating journey, "Portrait of a Priestess" encourages you to question the boundaries we draw between public and private, sacred and secular.
Enrich your understanding with additional maps and a glossary included in this paperback edition, perfect for students and enthusiasts alike. Uncover the hidden tales of priestesses and their impact on ancient Greek society. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the untold stories of women in religious office. Grab your copy of "Portrait of a Priestess: Women and Ritual in Ancient Greece" now!
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