Book Review of Ancient Greek Religion by Jon D. Mikalson

Approaching the subject of ancient Greek religion one encounters a paradox – simultaneously we know too little and too much. The Greeks have neither a word for religion in their vocabulary, nor possessed sacred books or religious texts, they neither formed clergy, nor appointed a person to exercise absolute religious authority. However, in Greek society the ubiquity and presence of their gods consumed the commoners, influenced the politicians, and inspired the artists. No aspect of Greek life can be approached without considering their religion. From the Bronze Age to late antiquity, the surviving materials provide scholars different aspects of the religion: allusions in literature, direct and indirect inscriptions from a myriad of places, and an abundance of physical remains. Yet the evidence does not coherently piece together a vivid, encompassing picture of the religious realities of any particular time and place in Greece.

In Ancient Greek Religion, Jon D. Mikalson aims to synthesis the elemental beliefs, the common practices, and the major deities worshiped by the Greeks. The book places an emphasis on religious life as experienced by Greek men and women. Mikalson provides a well-defined framework and focuses on key topics in nine thematic chapters: the epistemological basis and worship of Greek religion and sanctuaries; the nature of gods, heroes, and polytheism; cult myths; five major Greek cults; religion in the family and village; religion in the city-state; religion for the individual; the Hellenistic period; and the relation of Greek culture and religion. Alongside the text are ancient sources and a plethora of illustrations to help readers visualize religious life.

In the preface, Mikalson defines how he focused hi...

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...uses on Greek morality and beliefs about life and death.

In chapter eight, the author provides a brief overview of the Hellenistic period. Though important, it feels out of place and lacking.

The final chapter shows the reader how religion and culture intertwined. Perhaps this topic is too large to tackle in a chapter, but I think that Mikalson had the ability to further illustrate the relationship.

Mikalson accomplishes his goal in providing a text that will introduce students to Greek religion. Though not as detailed as one would hope, the author has the ability to build a feel for the subject, chapter by chapter building the view of Greeks and their religion. I think the text would be enhanced with more primary sources, but Mikalson does a great job in taking an incoherent topic and presenting a very basic view of the religious realities in ancient Greece.