I write this review of the Ancient City by Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges for those who approach the topic of ancient religion without prior in-depth study. Is this book worth reading as an introduction to the topic of ancient pre-Christian Mediterranean religion? It dates, after all, from the nineteenth century.
Because this book is based on a close reading of ancient sources, this nineteenth century account of the ancient pre-Christian religions of the Mediterranean remains accurate in many details. Because the author had a compelling insight that remains true -- namely, that ancient religion was an intimate part of all aspects of life in the ancient world from the family hearth to public assemblies as well as a crucial factor in ancient law and institutions -- and because the author's literary style is clear and compelling, the book remains well worth reading as a comprehensive introduction to ancient religion. With this single book as one's guide (and I do not advocate resting content with this book), one will be able to read and better understand such classics as Homer, Greek tragedy, Plato's Socrates, Caesar, Vergil, Livy, not to mention the New Testament, which was, of course, composed in a world run by "pagans" (a derogatory term, by the way, applied by Christians to their religious opponents). In what sense is the Ancient City outdated? Because its insights were arrestingly new at the time, they are overstated. The author's comparative approach -- while fascinating and frequently convincing -- ignores difference and nuance. The work relies primarily on literary evidence. Our sources are far richer than one would know from Fustel de Coulanges, especially our archaeological and epigraphical sources. The author also ignores chronology with too much confidence. Many of his conclusions and assumptions rest, in a strict analysis, on rather thin evidence. Nevertheless, even with such caveats in mind, the work still paints a vivid and brilliant portrait of the role of ancient religion in all aspects of ancient life. After reading Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges' Ancient City, one's knowledge of ancient religion will be much more comprehensive and sensitive than it was before reading his work. And, should one care to refine one's knowledge after reading the Ancient City, multiple modern surveys exist to provide further instruction.
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Awful printing, makes it unreadable
As others have noted, the printing is *awful*, with extra carriage returns as if this was copied from a PDF without formatting. Very disappointed, because it wasn't a cheap purchase ...
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2014
- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2022Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
As others have noted, the printing is *awful*, with extra carriage returns as if this was copied from a PDF without formatting. Very disappointed, because it wasn't a cheap purchase ...
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2017Amazon Customer
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- SusanReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2025
Easily readable. Unique
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