Religion as an Identity Criterion in Ancient Greece
- Mª Cruz Cardete del Olmo Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Abstract
There is a huge variability in the set of features used by every people to build its identity. However, language and religion are two of the most repeated aspects and, therefore, they are usually considered more important for the self-definition of group and less likely to change than others, especially in the ancient Greek world. This article focuses on analyzing the importance of religion as a criterion of identity in classical Greece and shows at various levels (Panhellenic, sub-Hellenic and civic) that religion is not a homogeneous criterion of Greekness. Sometimes, religion divides Greeks; other times it joins them; sometimes religion is in the core of the problem; other times, however, it is on the periphery. So, religion has not a natural relevance, but its importance and incidence vary depending on the historical context.Downloads
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