Teaching

Source Collection: Diversity and Change in Greco-Roman Religious Beliefs

David Sherrin
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Overview

This module will examine four different indigenous theologies within the Greco-Roman world to understand the diversity and change that occurred within Greco-Roman religion over the centuries. The four texts serve to complicate the simplified mythologies that often form the basis of the teaching of “ancient Greek religion.” The four frameworks are: Greek mythology, impersonal fate, Aristotle’s philosophy, and Greco-Roman stoicism.

Primary Sources

Homer’s The Iliad

Annotation
Homer's The Iliad is an ancient greek poem written around the eighth century. The poem is set during the Trojan war and highlights the conflict between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. The text provided is an excerpt from book three. This source is a part of the Diversity and Change in Greco-Roman Religious Beliefs teaching module.

Sophocles, Oedipus the King

Annotation
Oedipus the King, also known as Oedipus Rex, is an ancient greek play written by the Athenian philosopher, Sophocles, around 420 BCE. The text presented is an excerpted portion from the second half of the play. This source is a part of the Diversity and Change in Greco-Roman Religious Beliefs teaching module.

Seneca the Younger, Moral Letters to Lucilius

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Annotation

Moral Letters to Lucilias was written by the Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger around 65 CE. There are 124 letters in the collection. The text presented is an excerpt from letter 41 titled "On the God within Us." This source is a part of the Diversity and Change in Greco-Roman Religious Beliefs teaching module.

Aristotle’s Metaphysics

Annotation
Metaphysics, written around 350 BCE, is among Greek philosohper Aristotle's most notable works. The text includes an excerpt from part seven of the ten part work. This source is a part of the Diversity and Change in Greco-Roman Religious Beliefs teaching module.

How to Cite This Source

"Source Collection: Diversity and Change in Greco-Roman Religious Beliefs," in World History Commons, https://worldhistorycommons.org/source-collection-diversity-and-change-greco-roman-religious-beliefs [accessed November 20, 2024]

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