This course surveys the history of religion in the Greek and Roman worlds from the Bronze Age until the advent of Christianity.
All readings are in English.
It is suitable for majors and non-majors alike, and satisfies the History and Tradition requirement in the College. We will examine the range of religious expression in the ancient world, including ritual, priestly organization, the problem of belief, views of the divine, myth, iconography and religious architecture. We also will consider Greek and Roman religious culture in the context of contemporary societies in India, Iran, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China, and look at evolution over time. A special emphasis will be placed on the shifting relationships between religion and literature, considering recent scholarship as well as primary sources read in English translation. A syllabus and a schedule of lectures and assignments are available online.