Religion in Ancient Greece

Religion in Ancient Greece

Author: Filip Holm May 10, 2026 Duration: 1:15:39

Explore the fascinating world of religion in Ancient Greece, from the powerful Olympian gods like Zeus, Athena, and Apollo to sacred rituals, temples, myths, and festivals that shaped daily Greek life.


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Sources/Recommended Reading:


Bowden, Hugh (2010). "Mystery cults in the Ancient World". Thames and Hudson Ltd.


Burkert, William (1987). "Greek Religion: Archaic and Classical". Wiley-Blackwell.


Burkert, Walter (1988). "Ancient Mystery Cults". Harvard University Press.


Chulp, Radek (2016). "Proclus: An Introduction". Cambridge University Press.


Cooper, John M. et. al (translated by) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing.


Dodds, E.R. (2004). "The Greeks & The Irrational". University of California Press.


Eidinow, Esther & Julia Kindt (ed.) (2017). "The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion". Oxford University Press.


Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press. (This is the translation of the Enneads I have been using in this episode).


Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.


Gregory, John (ed.) (1998). "The Neoplatonists: a reader". Routledge.



Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.


Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.


Inwood, Brad (ed.) (2003). "The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics". Cambridge University Press.


Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.


Parker, Robert C.T. (2011). "On Greek Religion". Cornell University Press.


Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.


Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.


Ustinova, Yulia (2017). "Divine Mania: Alterations of Consciousness in Ancient Greece". Routledge.


Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.


Zhmud, Leonid (2012). "Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans". Translated by Kevin Windle & Rosh Ireland. OUP Oxford.


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Hosted by Filip Holm, Let's Talk Religion is a deep, accessible exploration of belief systems that have shaped human history and continue to define cultures. This isn't about preaching or debate; it's a thoughtful journey grounded in academic rigor and genuine curiosity. Each episode serves as a guided conversation, peeling back the layers of major world religions and lesser-known spiritual paths to examine their core tenets, historical development, and cultural impact. You'll hear detailed profiles of pivotal figures, from foundational prophets and philosophers to mystical poets and reformers, all placed within their rich historical context. The goal is to build a foundation of understanding, moving beyond headlines and stereotypes to appreciate the complex narratives and lived experiences within each tradition. By approaching religion as a multifaceted subject worthy of serious study, this podcast creates a space for listeners to reflect on the profound questions and diverse answers humanity has offered. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that treats religious thought with the depth and nuance it deserves, making each topic resonate with both intellectual and personal significance. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to listen and learn, to find connections and contrasts in the stories we tell about the divine, the sacred, and our place in the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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