James
Atlantic Celts
- ISBN 13:
- 9780299166748
- author:
- James
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- University of Wisconsin Press
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 1999
- Pages:
- 160
- Genre:
- History Textbook
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 10 working days
Description
The Atlantic Celts: Ancient People or Modern Invention? A fresh examination of the Athenian festival of Adonis reveals a complex and multifaceted ritual that challenges prevailing views. Laurialan Reitzammer explores the surviving evidence, arguing for the symbolic importance of Adonia in fifth- and fourth-century Athenian culture as a means of commenting on mainstream practices. Reitzammer uncovers correlations between Adonia and other significant cultural events, such as wedding rituals and civic funeral orations. Her research sheds new light on the festival's significance, demonstrating its influence on diverse works of ancient Greek literature, including Aristophanes' drama Lysistrata and Plato's dialogue Phaedrus. This study offers a timely contribution to our understanding of gender and sexuality in ancient Greece, providing a nuanced perspective on the intersection of religion and ritual.