North Coast of the Black Sea, Asia Minor


Book Description

Private associations organized around a common cult, profession, ethnic identity, neighbourhood or family were common throughout the Greco-Roman antiquity, offering opportunities for sociability, cultic activities, mutual support and a context in which to display and recognize virtuous achievement. This second volume collects a representative selection of inscriptions from associations based on the North Coast of the Black Sea and in Asia Minor, published with English translations, brief explanatory notes, commentaries and full indices. This volume is essential for several areas of study: ancient patterns of social organization; the organization of diasporic communities in the ancient Mediterranean; models for the structure of early Christian groups; and forms of sociability, status-displays, and the vocabularies of virtue.




North Coast of the Black Sea, Asia Minor


Book Description

Private associations organized around a common cult, profession, ethnic identity, neighbourhood or family were common throughout the Greco-Roman antiquity, offering opportunities for sociability, cultic activities, mutual support and a context in which to display and recognize virtuous achievement. This second volume collects a representative selection of inscriptions from associations based on the North Coast of the Black Sea and in Asia Minor, published with English translations, brief explanatory notes, commentaries and full indices. This volume is essential for several areas of study: ancient patterns of social organization; the organization of diasporic communities in the ancient Mediterranean; models for the structure of early Christian groups; and forms of sociability, status-displays, and the vocabularies of virtue.




Pauline Baptism among the Mysteries


Book Description

This monograph provides an alternative model for looking at the old question about Paul and the mysteries in a new light. Specifically, this study compares rituals—baptism in the Pauline communities and the initiation rituals of the mysteries—through the lens of cultural anthropology and the sociology of religion. Three research questions lead the project: What benefits does each initiation ritual promise its participants? What are the underlying messages or structures that guarantee the efficacy of those rituals? How and to what extent is the initiation ritual connected to the participants’ cognition and ethics beyond initiation itself? Taking those questions as the analytical framework, this study substantiates two points: first, in terms of ritual messages, baptism in the Pauline communities is a ritual analogous to mystery initiation, and second, Paul is an innovative interpreter of ritual who recalibrates the messages of preexisting rituals for his theological and ethical program, seeking to radically extend the implications of initiation to the embodied life of every Christ-believer. Students and scholars of New Testament, early Christianity, classics, and ritual studies will benefit from engaging this volume.




Northern Pontic Antiquities in the State Hermitage Museum


Book Description

This volume, written by staff of the State Hermitage, one of the world's finest museums, publishes Graeco-Roman antiquities kept there. Much of the material has been unearthed during the museum's field projects in Berezan, Myrmekion and Nymphaeum. Many items are published here for the first time. In addition, there are new studies and reinterpretations of well-known material. The book also contains reviews and notes on new publications on the Black Sea from Eastern and Western Europe and North America. The volume provides a good account of the manifold activities in which the staff of the Department of the History and Culture of the Ancient World, and of the Hermitage in general, are engaged. The book is very richly illustrated, with nearly 150 photographs, line drawings, maps etc.




The History of the Ancient Civilizations


Book Description

In 'The History of the Ancient Civilizations' by Max Duncker, readers are presented with a comprehensive exploration of various ancient civilizations from a scholarly perspective. Duncker's detailed analysis of the rise and fall of these civilizations, including their religious beliefs, social structures, and political systems, offers readers a deeper understanding of the complexities of ancient societies. Written in a clear and engaging style, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in history and anthropology, providing a thorough overview of key events and developments in ancient civilizations. Duncker's approach to storytelling is both informative and captivating, making this book a must-read for enthusiasts of ancient history. Max Duncker's background as a renowned historian and scholar gives him the expertise needed to craft this insightful and well-researched book. His passion for unraveling the mysteries of the past is evident throughout the pages, as he delves into the intricacies of ancient civilizations with precision and expertise. With its meticulous research and engaging narrative, 'The History of the Ancient Civilizations' is a compelling read that will broaden readers' knowledge and appreciation of the ancient world, making it a valuable addition to any history lover's bookshelf.




The First Urban Churches 5


Book Description

A fresh examination of early Christianity by an international team of New Testament and classical scholars Volume 5 of The First Urban Churches investigates the urban context of Christian churches in first-century Roman Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea. Building on the methodologies introduced in the first volume and supplementing the in-depth studies of Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi (vols. 2-4), essays in this volume challenge readers to reexamine preconceived understandings of the early church and to grapple with the meaning and context of Christianity in its first-century Roman colonial context. Features: Analysis of urban evidence found in inscriptions, papyri, archaeological remains, coins, and iconography Proposed reconstructions of the past and its social, religious, and political significance A nuanced, informed portrait of ancient urban life in the cities of the Lycus Valley




The Black Sea Encyclopedia


Book Description

This publication is devoted to the natural feature – the Black Sea and its littoral states. At the same time the Azov Sea is also considered here. This region is the focus of many geopolitical, economic, social and environmental issues that involve not only the countries coming out to the Black and Azov Seas, but other world countries, too. This publication contains over 1500 articles and terms providing descriptions of geographical and oceanographic features, cities, ports, transport routes, marine biological resources, international treaties, national and international programs, research institutions, historical and archaeological monuments, activities of prominent scientists, researchers, travelers, military commanders, etc. who had relation to the Black Sea. It includes a multi-century chronology of the events that became the outstanding milestones in the history of development of the Black Sea – Azov Sea region.




The Black Sea Pilot


Book Description




The Lives of Ancient Villages


Book Description

A ground-breaking historical ethnography of kinship, religion, and village society in a remote rural backwater of the Roman world.




The Pauline Church and the Corinthian Ekklēsia


Book Description

This innovative volume is the first English-language monograph to compare Paul's Corinthian church with contemporary cult groups from Mediterranean antiquity.