The Seer in ancient Greece

"The seer (mantis), an expert in the art of divination, operated in ancient Greek society through a combination of charismatic inspiration and diverse skills ranging from examining the livers of sacrificed animals to spirit possession. Unlike the palm readers and mediums who exist on the fringe...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Flower, Michael A. 1956- (Author)
Format: Print Book
Language:English
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Published: Berkeley, Calif. [u.a.] University of Californiarnia Press c 2008
In:Year: 2008
Series/Journal:The Joan Palevsky imprint in classical literature
A Joan Palevsky book in classical literature
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Greece (Antiquity) / Seer (Religion) / History
Further subjects:B Divination Greece
B Prophets Greece
B Greece Religious life and customs
B Prophets (Greece)
B Divination (Greece)
B Oracles, Greek
Online Access: Table of Contents
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Summary:"The seer (mantis), an expert in the art of divination, operated in ancient Greek society through a combination of charismatic inspiration and diverse skills ranging from examining the livers of sacrificed animals to spirit possession. Unlike the palm readers and mediums who exist on the fringe of modern society, many seers were highly paid, well respected, educated members of the elite who played an essential role in the conduct of daily life, political decisions, and military campaigns. Armies, for example, never went anywhere without one. This engaging book, the only comprehensive study of this fascinating figure, enters into the socioreligious world of ancient Greece to explore what seers did, why they were so widely employed, and how their craft served as a viable and useful social practice." -- Publisher's description
Item Description:Includes bibliographical references and index
ISBN:0520252292