Gods and Heroes in the Athenian Agora

By (author) John McK. Camp II

Book cover: Gods and Heroes in the Athenian Agora

Extent: 32, 32 pages

Publisher: American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Subjects: Classical Studies, Religious Studies

Series: Agora Picture Book

Series volume number: 19

Language: English

(Paperback) (Out of print)

(January 1980)

ISBN: 9780876616239

5.47 x 8.46 inches

Price: $4.95

Out of stock

Ancient Sikyon, in the northeastern Peloponnese, was a major player on the Mediterranean stage, especially in the Archaic and Hellenistic periods. This comprehensive study combines a discussion of the geological and historical background with the results of original research based on many years of archaeological fieldwork.


Religion played a part in almost every aspect of civic life, so shrines, temples, altars, and dedications are conspicuous at almost every turn during a visit to the Athenian Agora. The author of this booklet shows where and how the major Olympian gods were worshipped, and then turns his attention to lesser known deities, such as Hekate, the triple-bodied goddess of the crossroads. He argues that the cults of heroes, such as Theseus, one of the legendary founders of Athens, were much more popular than the official state religion focused on the Olympian gods.

  • By (author) John McK. Camp II