Tradition in Greek Religion 9783110868654, 9783110106954

Table of contents :
Preface
Contents
Introduction
The Religious Unity of the Minoans and Mycenaeans
Tradition in the History of Greek Religion
Divine Concepts and Forms
An Archaic Sanctuary of Apollo in Cyprus
Conclusion
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index

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Bernard C. Dietrich Tradition in Greek Religion

Bernard C. Dietrich

Tradition in Greek Religion

w DE

G Walter de Gruyter • Berlin • New York 1986

Printed on acid free paper (ageing-resistant - p H 7, neutral)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Dietrich, Bernard C. (Bernard Clive), 1928Tradition in Greek religion. Bibliography: p. Includes index. 1. Greece—Religion. I. Title. BL 782.D53 1986 292'.08 86-1463 ISBN 0-89925-174-9 (U.S.)

CIP-Kurztitelaufnahme der Deutschen Bibliothek

Dietrich, Bernard C.: Tradition in Greek religion / Bernard C. Dietrich. Berlin; New York: de Gruyter, 1986. ISBN 3-11-010695-7

© 1986 by Walter de Gruyter & Co., Berlin 30 Printed in Germany Alle Rechte, insbesondere das der Ubersetzung in fremde Sprachen, vorbehalten. Ohne ausdrückliche Genehmigung des Verlages ist es auch nicht gestattet, dieses Buch oder Teile daraus auf photomechanischem Wege (Photokopie, Mikrokopie) zu vervielfältigen. Satz: Dörlemann-Satz, Lemförde • Druck: Hildebrand, Berlin Bindearbeiten: Verlagsbuchbinderei Dieter Mikolai, Berlin

For A.C. D.

Preface The present book in some respects complements my Origins of Greek Religion and will, I hope, also be received not unkindly. The central theme is still continuity but a continuity of ideas. The subject is deeply controversial and will never be fully resolved for all those who demand chapter and verse for every theory, every assumption, however reasonably based on the available evidence. Nevertheless a certain element of risk, a mild spirit of adventure, do seem necessary, if there is to be progress in the study of Greek religion. I gladly admit to using both but always within the realm of the legitimate according to the sources. A discussion of sites and particular artefacts without illustrations is rather less than ideal. I apologise for not having pictures which would have added to the time and cost of production. A grant by the British Academy in 1983 made it possible to visit Cyprus in order to study important sanctuaries south of the Attila Line. I am most grateful for their generosity and to Dr. Diana Buitron for inviting me to stay at the grand Museum in Episkopi and join her 'dig' at Kourion. I also thank my wife for her patient support and advice and Miss M. Delargy for helping so efficiently with the technical preparation of the text and bibliography. The incredible despatch and efficiency of the de Gruyter Press are beyond praise: utinam ita essent omnes. Aberystwyth September 1985

Contents Preface Introduction

VII XI

The Religious Unity of the Minoans and Mycenaeans

1

Tradition in the History of Greek Religion

41

Divine Concepts and Forms

87

An Archaic Sanctuary of Apollo in Cyprus Appendix on the tholos

121 176

Conclusion

179

Abbreviations

184

Bibliography

187

Index

197

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