Steine und Pfeiler für die Götter

Weihgeschenkgattungen in westgriechischen Stadtheiligtümern

By (author) Daphni Doepner

Book cover: Steine und Pfeiler für die Götter

Extent: 264 pages

Publisher: Dr. Ludwig Reichert Verlag

Subjects: Classical Studies

Series: Palilia

Language: German

Paperback (Published)

(May 2002)

ISBN: 9783895000751

8.66 x 11.42 inches

Price: $68.00

Out of stock

English summary: Due to extraordinarily good find conditions the Greek colony Metapont in Lower Italy gives very clear evidence of the following circumstance: In wide areas of the representative and sacral centre of the polis, in the “urban sanctuary”, i.e. at magnificent temples and altars from the 7th to the 3rd century B.C. no luxurious votive offerings had been erected but exclusively plain stones and aniconic pillars. This phenomenon was found in Western Greece also in other places but not, however, in the Greek motherland. This study is supposed to find an explanation. A comprehensive analysis of the findings is aimed at the reconstruction of the entire votive practice in the urban sanctuary of Metapont and in those of Poseidonia (Paestum), Syracuse, Akragas (Agrigent) and Selinunt. In consultation with other archaeological and literary sources it becomes possible to characterize the function of the aniconic anathems and in contrast even of other species of votives. Apart from this the high value of the consecration of stones and pillars in Western Greece becomes obvious and consequently the great importance of collectively keeping up traditions when living abroad. German description: In der griechischen Kolonie Metapont in Unteritalien wird im archaologischen Befund dank der aussergewohnlich guten Uberlieferungsbedingungen eine eigenartige Votivsitte fassbar: In weiten Bereichen des reprasentativen und sakralen Zentrums der Polis, des sogenannten Stadtheiligtums, wurden an prachtvollen Tempeln und Altaren vom 7. bis 3. Jahrhundert v. Chr. keine aufwendigen Weihgeschenke errichtet, sondern ausschliesslich einfache Steine und anikonische Pfeiler. Die gleiche Votivsitte ist in Westgriechenland auch an anderen Orten anzutreffen, nicht aber im griechischen Mutterland. Dieses Phanomen zu erklaren ist Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung. Hierzu dient eine umfangreiche Befundanalyse, die das gesamte Votivgeschehen im Metapontiner Stadtheiligtum und in den Stadtheiligtumern von Poseidonia (Paestum), Syrakus, Akragas (Agrigent) und Selinunt zu rekonstruieren versucht. Ihre Ergebnisse und die Auswertung weiterer archaologischer und literarischer Quellen gestatten es, die Funktion anikonischer Anatheme im Vergleich zu anderen Votivgattungen zu charakterisieren und ihren Stellenwert innerhalb des griechischen Votivwesens zu definieren. Die grosse Bedeutung der Weihung von Steinen und Pfeilern in Westgriechenland und die gesellschaftliche Rolle kollektiv gepflegter Tradition in der Fremde treten deutlich hervor.

  • By (author) Daphni Doepner

"More direct archaeological evidence is also needed for a better understanding of the meaning and practical use of the aniconic votives. Where they simply offerings or did they (continue to) act as a focus for (family?) cult. The few test excavation dope by Doepner seem to Support the First hypothesis, but are far from conclusive. Such uncertainties, however, only help to stress the importance of her study as a starting point for further research and an example for those already working in Greek sanctuaries: even the ugly and undecorated finds can be very interesting when they receive their deserved care and contexts."In: BABesch. 79 (2004). S. 213-214."

„More direct archaeological evidence is also needed for a better understanding of the meaning and practical use of the aniconic votives. Where they simply offerings or did they (continue to) act as a focus for (family?) cult. The few test excavation dope by Doepner seem to Support the First hypothesis, but are far from conclusive. Such uncertainties, however, only help to stress the importance of her study as a starting point for further research and an example for those already working in Greek sanctuaries: even the ugly and undecorated finds can be very interesting when they receive their deserved care and contexts.“<br/><br/>In: BABesch. 79 (2004). S. 213-214.