State Pilgrims and Sacred Observers in Ancient Greece
A Study of Theōriā and Theōroi

The first comprehensive study of theōroi - sacred delegates sent by Greek city-states to represent them at common sanctuaries.

Ian Rutherford (Author)

9781108729956, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 January 2019

564 pages, 4 b/w illus. 19 maps 12 tables
24.5 x 17 x 3 cm, 0.9 kg

For at least a thousand years Greek cities took part in religious activities outside their territory by sending sacred delegates to represent them. The delegates are usually called theōroi, literally 'observers', and a delegation made up of theōroi, or the action of taking part in one, is called theōriā. This is the first comprehensive study of theōroi and theōriā. It examines a number of key functions of theōroi and explains who served in this role and what their activities are likely to have been, both on the journey and at the sanctuary. Other chapters discuss the diplomatic functions of theōroi, and what their activities tell us about the origins of the notion of Greek identity and about religious networks. Chapters are also devoted to the reception of the notion of theōriā in Greek philosophy and literature. The book will be essential for all scholars and advanced students of ancient religion.

1. Approaches to theōriā: preliminary definitions and issues
2. Evidence
3. An historical overview
4. Festival theōriā
5. Festival announcement and truce
6. Oracles
7. Conveying offerings
8. Theōroi as magistrates
9. Theōriā and viewing
10. Participants
11. The journey
12. Performances at the sanctuary
13. Civic theōriā: two case studies
14. The theoric chorus
15. Politics and diplomacy
16. Hellenism, panhellenism and common sanctuaries
17. Theoric networks over space and time
18. The case of Athens
19. Philosophy and theōriā
20. Theōriā in Greek imagination
21. Epilogue. The end of theōriā.

Subject Areas: Ancient religions & mythologies [HRKP], Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]