Classical Athens and the Delphic Oracle

Hugh Bowden

ISBN 10: 0521530814 / ISBN 13: 9780521530811

Published by Cambridge University Press, GB, 2005

About this Item

The Delphic Oracle was where, according to Greek tradition, Apollo would speak through his priestesses. This work explores the importance placed on consultations at Delphi by Athenians in the city's age of democracy. It demonstrates the extent to which concern to do the will of the gods affected Athenian politics, challenging the notion that Athenian democracy may be seen as a model for modern secular democratic constitutions. All the known consultations of the oracle by Athens in the period before 300 BC are examined, and descriptions of consultations found in Attic tragedy and comedy are discussed. This work provides a new account of how the Delphic oracle functioned and presents a thorough analysis of the relationship between the Athenians and the oracle, making it essential reading both for students of the oracle itself and of Athenian democracy.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780521530811

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Classical Athens and the Delphic Oracle
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521530814
• ISBN 13: 9780521530811
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 260 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This book provides an exploration of the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, where the god Apollo was believed to speak to inquirers through his priestesses. In particular, it examines Athens' use of the oracle c. 500-300 BC. Demonstrating the importance of communication with the gods, and doing their will, in classical Athenian society, Hugh Bowden concludes that ancient Athens was not a secular Westernized democracy as we understand the term today.

About the Author

Hugh Bowden is Lecturer in Ancient History at King's College London. He is the author of numerous articles on Greek religion and history and is editor of The Times Ancient Civilizations (2002).