Description

In the Hellenistic period of Greek history, communities often offered honors and titles to representatives of certain dynasties. Modeled on the earlier civic practice of creating a cult for important mythological or divine figures, the more modern ruler cult signified which figures were important to a city and its region, and represented the city's appreciation in return for favors or military services offered. Divine Honors for Mortal Men in Greek Cities: The Early Cases presents Christian Habicht's argument for the handling of these ruler cults in mainland Greece and the islands, relying upon contemporary testimony, down to 240 BCE. John Noel Dillon's faithful yet inviting translation of the 1970 German edition presents the author's updated case studies based on inscriptional discoveries since that time. Divine Honors also includes updated supplemental material encompassing additional bibliography, and detailed subject and source indices.