The Seer in Ancient Greece
Edition: 1 edition
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: January 7, 2008
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 328
ISBN-13: 9780520252295
Subjects: European history: BCE to c 500 CE; Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs; History; History - General History; History: World; Ancient Greece; Ancient - General; Antiquities & Archaeology; History / Ancient / General; Divination; Greece; Oracles, Greek; Prophets
Description: "The seer (mantis), an expert in the art of divination, operated in ancient Greek society through a combination of charismatic inspiration and diverse skills ranging from examining the livers of sacrificed animals to spirit possession. Unlike the palm readers and mediums who exist on the fringe of modern society, many seers were highly paid, well respected, educated members of the elite who played an essential role in the conduct of daily life, political decisions, and military campaigns. Armies, for example, never went anywhere without one. This engaging book, the only comprehensive study of this fascinating figure, enters into the socioreligious world of ancient Greece to explore what seers did, why they were so widely employed, and how their craft served as a viable and useful social practice." -- Publisher's description.