Philip A. Harland Bücher

Exploring the social and cultural dynamics of the Greco-Roman world, this book delves into the various associations that shaped community life, including religious cults, trade guilds, and civic organizations. It examines the roles these groups played in fostering social cohesion, identity, and political influence, while also highlighting their impact on individual lives. Through historical analysis and case studies, the text reveals how these associations contributed to the broader tapestry of ancient society and its legacy in contemporary culture.

Private associations organized around a common cult, profession, ethnic identity, neighbourhood or family were common throughout the Greco-Roman antiquity, offering opportunities for sociability, cultic activities, mutual support and a context in which to display and recognize virtuous achievement. This second volume collects a representative selection of inscriptions from associations based on the North Coast of the Black Sea and in Asia Minor, published with English translations, brief explanatory notes, commentaries and full indices. This volume is essential for several areas of study: ancient patterns of social organization; the organization of diasporic communities in the ancient Mediterranean; models for the structure of early Christian groups; and forms of sociability, status-displays, and the vocabularies of virtue.