Ritual und Religion Im Archaischen Sizilien

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the sacred landscapes of ancient Sicily, examining how indigenous communities practiced their spiritual traditions during a pivotal period of cultural transformation. Birgit Ohlinger presents sixteen carefully selected case studies that illuminate the ritual and religious life of Sicily's native peoples from the 8th century BCE onward, a time when Greek and Phoenician colonization brought profound changes to the island.

The study reveals how local sacred sites evolved within their settlement contexts, tracing the dynamic processes that shaped religious practices as different cultures encountered one another. Particularly from the 6th century BCE, dense contact zones emerged where indigenous traditions met foreign influences, creating fascinating intersections of belief and practice.

Through detailed analysis of cult architecture and sacrificial customs, Ohlinger uncovers the deeper functions these sacred places served in their communities. The research illuminates how religious sites anchored social structures and local identities, demonstrating the intricate connections between spiritual development and societal change.

For readers interested in understanding how ancient peoples navigated cultural encounters while maintaining their spiritual core, this work offers valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of religious traditions. The book reveals how sacred practices both preserved community identity and evolved through meaningful exchange with other cultures, providing a nuanced view of spiritual transformation in the ancient Mediterranean world.