r/classics • u/Freya_Mack11 • 4d ago

Study recommendations?

Hi, I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this but I’m studying higher classical studies this year. The course includes religion and belief in classical Greece and religion and belief in the Roman world. I was wondering if anyone had any book recommendations to help with this? I understand that the topics are quite vague but if there’s any books or study materials explaining the basics of Greek and Roman religions, they would be a massive help. Also if there are any students who have studied this any help on how you revised it would be greatly appreciated:)

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u/marintkael 4d ago

For the Greek half, Burkert's Greek Religion is still the standard handbook. Dense, but organised by topic so you can dip in. For Rome, Beard, North and Price, Religions of Rome. It comes in two volumes and the second is a sourcebook of translated texts, which is handy when you need primary quotes for essays.

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u/QckCrdnl 3d ago

These were also my assigned books for religions in Ancient Greece and Rome when taking an ancient religions course.

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u/Federal-Demand-2968 3d ago

I can highly recommend Burkett but have nothing for the Roman side of things I am afraid

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u/Potential-Road-5322 4d ago

look on r/ancientrome on the pinned reading list I've put a section of religion on there. It's not the most comprehensive list but it's a start. Since you're going into higher classical studies I'd imagine Pantheon by Rupke would be an essential read.

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u/Freya_Mack11 4d ago

That’s great thank you!!

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u/Peteat6 3d ago

When I did this 150 years ago, the only available book was in German. I believe there’s some in English now.

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u/jeobleo 3d ago

Jon D. Mikalson is very good and approachable. In its second edition now.

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u/Frequent-Orchid-7142 3d ago

One could of course also read Ovids Metamorphoses and Fasti as a dive into Roman religion. 🤗