This course offers an introduction to the diverse religious beliefs and practices of ancient Greece and Rome. What did people of these ancient societies believe in? What were their gods like? How did their belief inform their daily lives and experiences? From mainstream and official civic religion to secretive and exclusive “mystery” cults, this course will explore the various and often perplexing aspects of religious belief, superstition, and practice in the ancient Mediterranean. Our investigation will incorporate the rich body of evidence offered by texts, funerary monuments, votive gifts, statues, depictions of religious events and personnel, and important sacred sites. This module offers an exploration of the main ideas and motivations behind belief and practice in ancient society, and examine how these ideas manifested themselves in sacred spaces, rituals, festivals, oracles and divination, and in daily life. We will think about objects related to religious activity, including altars and vessels, cult images, votive figurines, anatomical representations, and curse tablets. Our exploration will also encompass sacred sites and buildings, from oracles such as that at the spectacular site of Delphi in Greece to the cavernous and eerie Mithraea that are found throughout the Roman Empire. Ancient texts will offer first-hand insight into the ideas and mythology behind religious belief and practice, illuminating the various ways in which ancient Greeks and Romans honoured, bargained with, and appeased their gods in the political, civic, and domestic spheres. The use of various types of evidence will ensure that students can enjoy a visual appreciation of ancient religion in addition to reading some ancient writing (translated into English). UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre Programme 2017-2018