ABSTRACT
This collection of essays explores the rhetoric and practices surrounding views on life after death and the end of the world, including the fate of the individual, apocalyptic speculation and hope for cosmological renewal, in a wide range of societies from Ancient Mesopotamia to the Byzantine era.
The 42 essays by leading scholars in each field explore the rich spectrum of ways in which eschatological understanding can be expressed, and for which purposes it can be used. Readers will gain new insight into the historical contexts, details, functions and impact of eschatological ideas and imagery in ancient texts and material culture from the twenty-fifth century BCE to the ninth century CE. Traditionally, the study of “eschatology” (and related concepts) has been pursued mainly by scholars of Jewish and Christian scripture. By broadening the disciplinary scope but remaining within the clearly defined geographical milieu of the Mediterranean, this volume enables its readers to note comparisons and contrasts, as well as exchanges of thought and transmission of eschatological ideas across Antiquity. Cross-referencing, high quality illustrations and extensive indexing contribute to a rich resource on a topic of contemporary interest and relevance.
Eschatology in Antiquity is aimed at readers from a wide range of academic disciplines, as well as non-specialists including seminary students and religious leaders. The primary audience will comprise researchers in relevant fields including Biblical Studies, Classics and Ancient History, Ancient Philosophy, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Art History, Late Antiquity, Byzantine Studies and Cultural Studies. Care has been taken to ensure that the essays are accessible to undergraduates and those without specialist knowledge of particular subject areas.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part Section I|86 pages
Ancient Near East and Hebrew Bible
chapter 5|14 pages
“As I Looked”
part Section II|66 pages
Greek World
part Section III|82 pages
Jewish Texts of the Hellenistic and Roman Periods
chapter 14|14 pages
Apocalyptic Eschatology in the Dead Sea Scrolls
part Section IV|118 pages
Etruscan and Roman Worlds
chapter 24|13 pages
Enduring Death and Remembering the Apocalypse
part Section V|64 pages
New Testament Texts
part Section VI|156 pages
Late Antique and Byzantine Worlds