Divination in the Ancient World: Religious Options and the Individual (Potsdamer Altertumswissenschaftliche Beitrage)

The search for knowledge of the future and for divine help is found in all ancient Mediterranean cultures. The key question of this book is: What are the interdependences between divination and processes of individualization or de-individualization in the ancient world? Individualization is understood as a process of change on the societal level. In contrast, individuation is a development on the personal level. Discussions about the definition of these terms are continuing. Divination may always have some effects on processes of individuation and individualization. Divination may be a means - and this list does not claim to be exhaustive - of legitimising decisions, to decide competition or to achieve distinctiveness. This book covers aspects from archaic Greece to the High Empire. Not all articles argue along the same lines: nothing highlights better the lively debate and the many open questions in the field of ancient divination. New perspectives on ancient divination -- Jörg Rüpke Oracular consultation, fate, and the concept of the individual -- Esther Eidinow Seeking certainty and claiming authority : the consultation of Greek oracles from classical and the Roman imperial periods -- Hugh Bowden Interpretative strategies for Delphic oracles and kledons : prophecy falsification and individualism -- Lisa Maurizio Cicero and the Pythia : a deceptive dilemma? -- Susanne William Rasmussen Will my child have a big nose?": uncertainty, authority and narrative in katarchic astrology -- Richard Gordon Lucian of Samosata on oracles, magic and superstition -- Wolfgang Spickermann Individuation through divination : the Hieroi logoi of Aelius Aristides -- Veit Rosenberger.