ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that drawing on both literary and archaeological sources that emphasise the close relationship between physical presence in a given place and personal identity as embodied by the symbolism of the foot. The evidence for plastic reproductions of feet and sketches of footprints, either traced or engraved, is attested across the ancient Mediterranean. The chapter also argues that the anthropological explanation of the frequent occurrence of feet as symbolic sign of individual recognition in ancient sources derives from this ideal connection. The representation of feet and footprints consists of an astonishing number of instances from all periods beginning in Pharaonic Egypt and lasting until Late Antiquity. Throughout, these sculptures, reliefs and impressions served two main functions. First, as divine feet or footprints, they symbolised the permanent presence of a god or hero within a sacred space. Second, as human representations, they offered a durable memory of the temporary passage of a person in a given place.
