Mediterranean and Eastern Religions of Antiquity by Françoise Labrique
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Françoise Labrique, Religions méditerranéennes et orientales de l’Antiquité
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Le Caire, Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale, 2002, 243 p. (index, illustr.) (coll. « Bibliothèque d’Étude » 135).
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Patrick Saurin
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Françoise Labrique, Religions méditerranéennes et orientales de l’Antiquité
Year: 2003 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.1250
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The publication "Religions méditerranéennes et orientales de l’Antiquité," edited by Françoise Labrique and released by the Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale in Cairo in 2002, showcases a collection of scholarly articles resulting from an international conference held in Besançon in April 1999. The text focuses on the intricate cultural interactions within ancient polytheisms and aims to provide new perspectives on Mediterranean and Eastern religions through a comparative approach. This compilation features twelve detailed studies that together enhance our understanding of ancient belief systems, as well as their historical and cultural contexts.
Cult and Colonization: Phoenician Influence
One of the key articles in the volume, by Jaime Alvar, examines the complexities of Phoenician colonization, particularly in Tartessos on the Iberian Peninsula. Alvar emphasizes the dual role of the ruling class of Tyre alongside the local aristocracy in crafting a cohesive strategy for cultural integration that involved significant religious shifts. The article asserts that the integration of Phoenician deities, such as Melqart and Astarte, played a crucial role in establishing social and economic dynamics within the colony. Furthermore, the discovery of various dedications to other Phoenician gods, along with Egyptian deities, highlights a broader narrative of religious acculturation that underpinned territorial control and cultural identity.
The Confluence of Egyptian and Greek Thought
In their exploration, Michèle Broze and Carine Van Liefferinge analyze the significant intercultural dialogues between Greek philosophy and Egyptian theology as presented in Jamblique’s "De Mysteriis." They delve into the character of Abamon, an Egyptian priest, who reflects the convergence of Greek and Egyptian thought through the use of literary parallelism. Their study highlights the relationship between divine functionality and the roles of philosophy and religion in ongoing dialogues. This investigation underscores the importance of ancient texts in tracing the intellectual exchanges that shaped religious beliefs and practices across cultures, particularly regarding esoteric thought.
The Role of Female Worshippers in Ancient Cults
The study conducted by I. Papadopoulou-Belmehdi and Z. D. Papadopoulou addresses the significance of the Délian cult and its female representatives, known as the Déliades. The authors investigate how these female performers acted as cultural mediators between devotees and deities, playing pivotal roles in ritual practices. Through textual and archeomusicological approaches, the article reveals the intersection of music, sacrifice, and worship in Délos. The findings highlight the richness of these women's contributions to religious life in antiquity, emphasizing their influence in promoting communal religious identity and the liturgical landscape of ancient Greece.
Conclusion
Overall, "Religions méditerranéennes et orientales de l’Antiquité" offers an insightful and multifaceted examination of the interactions among diverse ancient religions and cultures. Through the studies presented, it becomes evident that the cross-pollination of ideas, deities, and practices illustrates complex patterns of religious and cultural integration. These scholarly contributions not only advance the understanding of ancient Mediterranean and Eastern belief systems but also encourage further exploration of their legacies in shaping contemporary religious thought and identity. The meticulously researched articles serve as valuable resources for historians and scientists alike in their ongoing inquiries into ancient spirituality and intercultural connections.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main topic of Françoise Labrique's book?
Françoise Labrique's book focuses on Mediterranean and Oriental religions in antiquity, presenting various cultural interactions within ancient polytheisms. It compiles articles from an international conference discussing these themes.
What is the significance of the articles in the book?
The articles contribute new insights into cultural dynamics and religious practices among ancient societies, emphasizing comparative approaches that transcend traditional historical boundaries.
Who organized the conference that the book's articles originate from?
The international conference was organized by the Institute of Sciences and Techniques of Antiquity in Besançon, France, focusing on cultural interactions in ancient religions.
How many articles are featured in Labrique's book?
The book contains twelve articles, each exploring different aspects of Mediterranean and Oriental religions, showcasing diverse scholarly perspectives and research.
What does Patrick Saurin highlight about Labrique's work?
Patrick Saurin emphasizes Labrique's ability to weave together complex religious narratives and cultural exchanges of antiquity, appealing to researchers and historians of ancient religions.
What methodological approach does Labrique's book advocate?
The book advocates for a comparative methodology that fosters a deeper understanding of ancient polytheisms by analyzing their cultural and religious interactions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Mediterranean and Eastern Religions of Antiquity by Françoise Labrique”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
The text discusses various aspects of ancient religions, including polytheism and monotheism, emphasizing their cultural interactions and the significance of different cults and worship practices in ancient Mediterranean and Eastern societies.
2) Egypt:
Egypt is prominently featured in the context of ancient funerary practices, mummification, and the influence of Egyptian theology on Greek thought, highlighting the complexities present in the religious practices of ancient Egyptians.
3) Herodotus:
Herodotus is mentioned as a critical historical source for understanding the connections between Greek and Egyptian mythology, particularly in the narrative about the Apis Bull, illustrating the cultural intermingling of ancient civilizations.
4) Heracles:
The character of Heracles is analyzed in the context of Greek mythology, discussing his attributes and the role he plays in the narrative traditions related to both Greek and Egyptian origins.
5) Language:
Language is central in understanding the texts and interpretations of ancient writings, showcasing the significance of dialects and linguistic intricacies in defining cultural identities and religious expressions.
6) Cult:
Various cults of gods are examined, including the Mother of the Gods and Apollo, highlighting their significance in ancient societies and the interactions between different religious practices.
7) Brahmin:
The text references Brahmins within the context of Philostratus' writings, contrasting them with gymnosophists to explore the differing religious philosophies, emphasizing the patriarchal nature of monotheism.
8) Poem:
The title 'The Poem of September' represents an innovative reading of religious texts, specifically focusing on Thérèse of Lisieux’s writings which reveal an intricately structured reflection on spirituality and life.
9) Reflection:
The works discussed invite deep reflection on cultural interactions in antiquity, encouraging readers to consider the underlying meanings in religious narratives and the complexities of worship practices.
10) Xylograph:
[see source text or glossary: #Xylograph#]
11) Deity (Deities):
The text dives into the roles and representations of deities in various ancient religions, assessing their importance and how they were worshiped across different cultures.
12) Nature:
Nature plays a significant role in many of the religious practices and philosophies discussed, especially in the context of understanding how ancient peoples viewed the relation between the divine and the natural world.
13) Speech:
The significance of speech is explored through discussions on worship and the performances of rituals, revealing how language shaped religious practices and communication with the divine.
14) Cattle:
Cattle are referenced metaphorically and literally in the analysis of Greek myth, especially in connection to Hermes and in Vedic texts, highlighting their role in sacrificial practices and wealth.
15) China:
[see source text or glossary: #China#]
16) Music:
Music is described as a vital element in worship, particularly in the context of the Deliades on Delos, showcasing the power of musical expression as a medium for connecting with the divine.
17) Agni:
Agni, as a deity in the Rig Veda, is compared to Hermes, demonstrating the shared aspects of ancient deities’ mythologies and their connections to themes of fire, wealth, and sacrifice.
18) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: #Pari#]
19) Philosophy:
Philosophy is interwoven throughout the discussions of religion, particularly regarding the influences of Greek philosophical thought on interpretations of Egyptian theology and the development of religious practices.
20) Crocodile:
The crocodile is symbolically significant in the context of the pylon inscriptions of Kom Ombo, where its representation connects to the theological narratives about the relationship between animals and deities.
21) Sacrifice:
Sacrifice emerges as a common theme within the text, addressing the various forms and significances of offering in ancient religion, and how rituals were vital for connecting communities to the divine.
22) Rigveda (Rgveda, Rig-Veda, Ric-veda):
The Rig Veda is mentioned in relation to Agni, serving as an example of the rich literary and spiritual expressions found in Vedic texts and their connections across cultures.
23) Creation:
[see source text or glossary: #Creation#]
24) Tibetan:
[see source text or glossary: #Tibetan#]
25) Greece:
Greece serves as a focal point for the study of mythology and philosophy, analyzing the influences of Greek thought on global religious narratives and cultural development.
26) Wealth:
Wealth is often symbolically represented in religious texts, as seen in the discussion of cattle and the divine relationships that underscore economic and cultural exchanges in ancient societies.
27) Animal:
Animals, particularly in the context of deities like the Apis Bull, reflect the symbolic interrelation between religion and nature, highlighting the importance of animals in sacrificial and worship practices.
28) Desire:
Desire is explored through the writings of figures like Thérèse of Lisieux, indicating the complex emotional and spiritual motivations behind religious expression and personal devotion.
29) Death:
Death is a pivotal theme in the examination of Egyptian funerary practices, revealing how beliefs surrounding the afterlife shaped cultural traditions and rituals in ancient societies.
30) Heart:
[see source text or glossary: #Heart#]
31) Image:
[see source text or glossary: #Image#]
32) Light:
[see source text or glossary: #Light#]
33) Logic (Logical):
Logic intertwines with religious thought, particularly in analyzing the narratives of different cultures and the philosophical underpinnings influencing religious interpretations and rituals.
34) Veda:
[see source text or glossary: #Veda#]
35) Fire:
Fire is a predominant symbol in both Vedic and Greco-Roman contexts, representing purification, divinity, and the connection to sacrificial worship practices.
36) Moon:
The moon symbolizes various religious aspects within Egyptian belief systems, particularly in the context of deities like Khonsou, illustrating the celestial influences on worship.
37) Book:
[see source text or glossary: #Book#]
38) Mind:
The mind’s role in interpreting religious texts and philosophies is critical, reflecting the complex interactions of thought, spirituality, and cultural identity in ancient societies.
39) Dead:
The treatment of the dead, particularly in ancient Egypt, is extensively analyzed in terms of mummification and funerary rituals, emphasizing beliefs in the afterlife and preservation of the body.
40) Four texts:
[see source text or glossary: #Four texts#]
41) Dead body:
The dead body is central to the discussion of mummification practices in Egypt and the philosophical implications of body preservation versus destruction in cultural contexts.
42) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
[see source text or glossary: #Transformation#]
43) Destruction:
Destruction is examined in the context of funerary practices, particularly in contrasting Greek and Egyptian views on the body and its role in the afterlife.
44) Polytheism:
Polytheism is a significant theme, with various articles examining the manifestations and characteristics of ancient polytheistic religions in the Mediterranean and Eastern traditions.
45) Monotheism:
Monotheism is contrasted with polytheistic beliefs, especially through discussions of Brahmins versus gymnosophists and the philosophical implications thereof.
46) Discussion:
The collection of works facilitates a broader discussion on ancient cultures, engaging different viewpoints regarding religion, philosophy, and cultural heritage.
47) Literature:
Ancient literature, particularly texts from the Vedic tradition and Greek mythology, provides insight into the cultural and religious narratives that shaped early civilizations.
48) Revolution:
[see source text or glossary: #Revolution#]
49) Mythology:
Mythology is explored thoroughly through various religious narratives, revealing the interconnections between different cultural traditions and their shared mythic themes.
50) Knowledge:
Knowledge, particularly of religious practices and cultural identities, is a focal point of the text, demonstrating how ancient societies articulated their beliefs through language and literature.
51) Foreigner:
The theme of the foreigner arises in several discussions, particularly regarding the reinterpretation of deities and cultures, and how these interactions shaped religious identities.
52) Sentiment:
[see source text or glossary: #Sentiment#]
53) Bahariya:
[see source text or glossary: #Bahariya#]
54) Theology:
[see source text or glossary: #Theology#]
55) Unstable:
[see source text or glossary: #Unstable#]
56) Tortoise:
The tortoise is symbolically linked to Hermes in mythology, showcasing the importance of animal representations in understanding divine characteristics and narratives.
57) Darkness:
Darkness is associated with religious and philosophical themes, particularly in understanding the duality present in theological discourses and the nature of the divine.
58) Universe:
The universe and its representation within mythology are examined, particularly regarding how ancient peoples understood their place within cosmological frameworks.
59) Pleasure:
[see source text or glossary: #Pleasure#]
60) Dialect:
[see source text or glossary: #Dialect#]
61) Worship:
Worship is a central theme throughout the text, with various articles discussing the forms, meanings, and cultural significance of worship practices across different ancient religions.
62) Extreme:
[see source text or glossary: #Extreme#]
63) Release:
[see source text or glossary: #Release#]
64) Machine:
[see source text or glossary: #Machine#]
65) Devotion (Devoted):
[see source text or glossary: #Devoted#]
66) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: #Tantric#]
67) Debate:
Debate among scholars regarding the interpretations of ancient religious practices highlights the complexities and evolving understandings of cultural interactions.
68) Prayer:
Prayer is discussed concerning its role in ancient religious practices, illustrating the various forms of communication with deities and the cultural meanings attributed to these acts.
69) Memory:
[see source text or glossary: #Memory#]
70) Priest:
The priest's role is examined concerning theological discussions and the importance of mediation between the divine and the community in ancient religions.
71) Indian:
The text references Indian philosophies and their interactions with ancient Greek thought, particularly in discussions of monotheism and cultural exchange.
72) Island:
Delos, an island mentioned in the context of worship and the Deliades, is crucial in understanding the cultural and religious dynamics of ancient Greek society.
73) Future:
[see source text or glossary: #Future#]
74) India:
India is referenced concerning its traditional philosophies and religious practices, particularly in relation to Brahmins and their contrasts with Greek philosophers.
75) Thamu:
[see source text or glossary: #Thamu#]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 90]