Philostratus's Heroikos by Ellen Bradshaw Aitken & Jennifer K. Berenson Maclean (Book Review)
Briefly

Philostratus's 'Heroikos' is a dialogues showcasing the cultural and religious dynamics of the Severan era in the Roman Empire. Composed by a notable figure of the Second Sophistic movement, it features a conversation between a Greek vinedresser and a Phoenician merchant discussing Greek hero cults, culminating in the merchant's spiritual transformation. The editors, Aitken and Maclean, present a robust translation with extensive commentary, emphasizing the work's significance in understanding the interplay of religion, cultural identity, and imperialism during this historical period.
Philostratus's 'Heroikos' encapsulates the cultural, religious, and political currents of the Roman Empire, offering a dialogue on Greek hero cults and identity.
Aitken and Maclean's edition provides a meticulously annotated translation, establishing 'Heroikos' as a site for negotiating religious tradition and ethnic identity.
Read at Worldhistory
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