The seer in ancient Greece / Michael Attyah Flower.
2008
BF1765 .F56 2008 (Mapit)
Available at General Collection
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Details
Title
The seer in ancient Greece / Michael Attyah Flower.
Author
Flower, Michael A.
ISBN
9780520259935 (pbk. : alk. paper)
0520259939 (pbk. : alk. paper)
9780520252295 (alk. paper)
0520252292 (alk. paper)
0520259939 (pbk. : alk. paper)
9780520252295 (alk. paper)
0520252292 (alk. paper)
Publication Details
Berkeley : University of California Press, c2008.
Language
English
Description
xviii, 305 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
Call Number
BF1765 .F56 2008
Dewey Decimal Classification
133.30938
Summary
"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.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Series
Joan Palevsky imprint in classical literature.
Linked Resources
Table of contents only
Record Appears in
On-Campus Resources > Books
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Table of Contents
Problems, methods, and sources
Who is a seer?
The role and image of the seer
Divination as a system of knowledge and belief
Disbelief and skepticism about seers: is the best seer the one who guesses well?
A dangerous profession: the seer in warfare
The art of the consultation
Not just a man's profession: the female seer
Conclusion.
Who is a seer?
The role and image of the seer
Divination as a system of knowledge and belief
Disbelief and skepticism about seers: is the best seer the one who guesses well?
A dangerous profession: the seer in warfare
The art of the consultation
Not just a man's profession: the female seer
Conclusion.