THE VIEW FROM ANTHROPOLOGY

One of the oldest debates in history is the question of what is the oldest profession? Priest? Prostitute? Soldier? Another contender for the title is diviner. People have been interpreting signs throughout history across a range of cultures, and it is an important area of anthropological study.

David Zeitlyn

THEME: Looking into the future DIVINATION AND ORACLES IN ANTIQUITY Divination is attested to just about everywhere, there are records going back to the earliest forms of human civilization. At different times, its use has waxed and waned, as has the degree to which its use has been publicly acknowledged, the safest assumption we can make is that it has always been controversial. There have always been enthusiasts as well as sceptics. In the classical period one of the key texts is Cicero's On Divination, a debate between Cicero and his brother Quintus. One argues for the practice, the other is uncertain, if not necessarily against it. It seems clear from the lines of debate that uncertainty about the status of divination was already widespread in Rome in the first century…

You're reading a preview of

Ancient History (Digital) - 1 Issue, AH 46

DiscountMags is a licensed distributor (not a publisher) of the above content and Publication through Zinio LLC. Accordingly, we have no editorial control over the Publications. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including those made in Publications offered on our website, are those of the respective author(s) or publisher(s) and not of DiscountMags. DiscountMags does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or usefulness of all or any portion of any publication or any services or offers made by third parties, nor will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in any Publication, or your use of services offered, or your acceptance of any offers made through the Service or the Publications. For content removal requests, please contact Zinio.