The Cult of Castor and Pollux in Ancient Rome
The Cult of Castor and Pollux in Ancient Rome
The Dioscuri first appeared at the Battle of Lake Regillus in 496 BC to save the new Republic. Receiving a temple in the Forum in gratitude, the gods continued to play an important role in Roman life for centuries and took on new responsibilities as the needs of the society evolved. Protectors of elite horsemen, boxers and sailors, they also served as guarantors of the Republic's continuation and, eventually, as models for potential future emperors. Over the course of centuries, the cult and its temples underwent many changes. In this book, Amber Gartrell explores the evolution of the cult. Drawing on a range of methodological approaches and a wide range of ancient evidence, she focuses on four key aspects: the gods' two temples in Rome, their epiphanies, their protection of varied groups, and their role as divine parallels for imperial heirs, revealing how religion, politics and society interacted and influenced each other.
- Provides an in-depth chronological exploration of the Cult of the Dioscuri in Rome
- The development of the cult of the Dioscuri is explored alongside historical events as well as social and cultural changes
- My research draws upon a wide range of evidence, including ancient literature, archaeology, numismatics and art works
Reviews & endorsements
'Well written and presented … the book is a pleasure to read.' Françoise Van Haeperen, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'… a meticulous study that not only includes a remarkable range of sources, but also depicts them, deals with them and brings them into dialogue with one another. While the suspicion initially grows that the study reproduces an image of Roman religion that primarily uses political interests as a stooge, this criticism quickly fades away in the glow of success. The final thesis and thus the conclusion of the book throws new light on imperial succession politics and representation.' Maik Patzelt, GNOMON
Product details
No date availableAdobe eBook Reader
9781108809641
0 pages
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The Temples of castor and pollux
- 2. The epiphanies of the dioscur
- 3. The responsibilities of castor and pollux
- 4. Castor and pollux as parallels for imperial heirs
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index.
