State Pilgrims and Sacred Observers in Ancient Greece: A Study of TheMri and TheMroi [Paperback]

The first comprehensive study of theMroi - sacred delegates sent by Greek city-states to represent them at common sanctuaries.Theoria, the practice of sending sacred delegates to national sanctuaries, was a crucial part of Greek religious culture from the Archaic period till the Roman Empire. This book is the first complete study of the practice, analysing how it works, and looking at its broader impact on Greek culture.Theoria, the practice of sending sacred delegates to national sanctuaries, was a crucial part of Greek religious culture from the Archaic period till the Roman Empire. This book is the first complete study of the practice, analysing how it works, and looking at its broader impact on Greek culture.For at least a thousand years Greek cities took part in religious activities outside their territory by sending sacred delegates to represent them. The delegates are usually called theMroi, literally 'observers', and a delegation made up of theMroi, or the action of taking part in one, is called theMri
. This is the first comprehensive study of theMroi and theMri
. It examines a number of key functions of theMroi and explains who served in this role and what their activities are likely to have been, both on the journey and at the sanctuary. Other chapters discuss the diplomatic functions of theMroi, and what their activities tell us about the origins of the notion of Greek identity and about religious networks. Chapters are also devoted to the reception of the notion of theMri
in Greek philosophy and literature. The book will be essential for all scholars and advanced students of ancient religion.1. Approaches to theMri
: preliminary definitions and issues; 2. Evidence; 3. An historical overview; 4. Festival theMri
; 5. Festival announcement and truce; 6. Oracles; 7. Conveying offerings; 8. TheMroi as magistrates; 9. TheMri
and viewing; 10. Participants; 11. The journey; 12. Performances at the sanctuary; 13. Civic theMri
: two case studies; 14. The theolC@