Pilgrims and Pilgrimage in Ancient Greece

Matthew Dillon

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2013
• ISBN:
  9781135099879
• Edition: 1
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Ancient History
• Index: History

This volume explores the religious motivations for pilgrimage and reveals the main preoccupations of worshippers in Ancient Greece.
Dillon examines the main sanctuaries of Delphi, Epidauros and Olympia, as well as the less well-known oracle of Didyma in Asia Minor and the festivals at the Isthmus of Corinth. He discusses the modes of travel to the sites, means of communication between pilgrims and the religious and ritual practices at the sanctuaries themselves.
A unique insight into pilgrimage in Ancient Greece is presented, focusing on the diverse aspects of pilgrimage; the role of women and children, the religious festivals of particular ethnic groups and the colourful celebrations involving music, athletics and equestrian events. Pilgrims and Pilgrimage in Ancient Greece is an accessible and fascinating volume, which reveals how the concept of pilgrimage contributes to Greek religion as a whole.

Table of contents

• Front cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Preface
• Abbreviations
• Introduction
• 1 Official Pilgrimage Invitations and Sacred Truces
• 2 The Sanctity of Greek Pilgrims
• 3 Pilgrimage Destinations I: Mstery Cults, Healing Sanctuaries and Oracles
• 4 Pilgrimage Destinations II: Contests at Panhellenic Festivals
• 5 Pilgrimages by Ethnic Groups
• 6 Cult Regulations at Sanctuaries
• 7 The Female Pilgrim
• 8 Rganisational Requirements at Pilgrimage Sites
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index