Program Overview

Lived Ancient Religion in Hellenistic Greece (HIST0438)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences
• Teaching department: History
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: Priority for places is given to MA students registered in the History Department.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

This module offers an in-depth discussion of Greek religion and religious phenomena in the Hellenistic period, focusing on the shaping of the religious landscapes of Greek poleis outside of the civic framework. It explores individually organised religious groups, such as religious associations, foundations of new cults by individuals on a 'private' level, and ritual activities organised by individuals for their own purposes. The course examines the possibility of 'individual' and 'personal' every-day religion in the Hellenistic period, developed in addition to the cults and rituals offered by Greek poleis.

Religious associations were voluntary groups of worshippers that gathered to worship a specific deity of their choice, both local gods and gods more recently introduced to the Aegean. The activities of religious associations are recorded mainly from the end of the fourth century BCE, a period in which many Greek poleis experienced an influx of immigration from all over the Mediterranean and beyond. During this time, one can observe an increase of 'new' rituals, deities, and religious traditions in the epigraphic evidence. Leading questions will be to what extent the occurrence of religious associations and the introduction of 'new' deities reflects political and social changes in the Hellenistic period and/or other phenomena such as cross-cultural exchange.

The course is split into two parts, with the first half offering theoretical and methodological approaches to Greek religion and the socio-cultural elements of religious associations. The last five sessions are dedicated to more personal dimensions, considering the religious motivations behind founding and participating in such groups and cults. By engaging with the activities practised at gatherings, such as mysteries, banquets, musical and theatrical performances, the course aims to reconstruct the lived experience of an individual's religious life in Hellenistic Greece.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Term 2
• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment: 100% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 0
• Module leader: Dr Julietta Steinhauer-hogg