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German Pages 229 [232] Year 1986
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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