Ancient Supplication [Paperback]

This is the first book-length treatment of supplication, an important social practice in ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Despite the importance of supplication, it has received little attention, and no previous study has explored so many aspects of the practice. Naiden investigates the varied gestures made by the supplicants, the types of requests they make, the arguments used in defense of their requests, and the role of the supplicandus, who evaluates and decides whether to fulfill the requests. Varied and abundant sources invite comparison between the societies of Greece and Rome and also among literary genres. Additionally, Naiden formulates an analysis of the ritual in its legal and political contexts. In constructing this rich and thorough study, Naiden considered over 800 acts of supplication from Greek, Hebrew, and Roman literature, art, and scientific sources. 30 illustrations and a map of the relevant locations accompany the text.

Spellings and Abbreviations
Chapter 1: Yes and No
Chapter 2: The First Three Steps in Supplication
Chapter 3: The Fourth and Last Step
Chapter 4: Supplication and Greek Law
Chapter 5: Supplication, Republic, and Principate
Chapter 6: Ceremony and Morals
Appendices
Bibliography
Indices
Spellings and Abbreviations
Chapter 1: Yes and No
Chapter 2: The First Three Steps in Supplication
Chapter 3: The Fourth and Last Step
Chapter 4: Supplication and Greek Law
Chapter 5: Supplication, Republic, and Principate
Chapter 6: Ceremony and Morals
Appendices
Bibliography
Indices

...a work of ancient history, where often complex moral and legal considerations take precedence over literary analysis. The great merit of such an approach is its emphasis upon social action in a violent world of steeply asymlã(