Seeing the God Image, Space, Performance, and Vision in the Religion of the Roman Empire

The first inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary work of its kind, this book focuses on the importance of visual culture in the study of classical, Roman, and Christian antiquity. It explores the role of the visual in helping to create a vision of the gods and how commitment to the visibility of the divine affected ancient religious practices, rituals, and beliefs. The essays deploy a wide range of disciplines that include archaeology, iconology, cultural studies, visual anthropology, the study of ancient rhetoric, and the cognitive sciences to consider the visual aspects of ancient religion from a variety of angles. This groundbreaking book promises to advance the discussion of the importance and role of visual culture in shaping the religions of antiquity in significant new ways. Contributors: Marlis Arnhold, David Balch, Steve Friesen, Richard L. Gordon, Kristine Iara, Robin Jensen, Brigitte Kahl, Harry O. Maier, Katharina Rieger, Vernon K. Robbins, Jorg Rupke, Annette Weissenrieder