Asylia

This book provides a thorough examination of Asylia, detailing its significance and the documents that support its historical context.

In Asylia, Kent J. Rigsby explores the intriguing practice of declaring certain religious sites as precincts of asylum during the Hellenistic period. This work compiles various pieces of evidence, primarily inscriptions and coins, that have previously been scattered throughout published records. Rigsby provides a comprehensive introduction that not only presents these documents but also delves into their historical significance, offering readers a clearer understanding of this unique phenomenon.

The concept of Asylia entailed the designation of specific Greek temples and cities as 'sacred and inviolable,' granting them immunity from violence and civil authority. While the original intent behind these declarations was to establish military neutrality, Rigsby argues that the reality was quite different. The declarations did not fundamentally alter military behavior; rather, they evolved into a civic and religious honor that cities across the Greek world vied for between the third and first centuries B.C.

Asylia sheds light on the complexities of the relationship between religion and politics in ancient Greece. By examining the motivations and implications of these declarations, Rigsby enriches our understanding of how cities sought to assert their status and protect their sacred spaces in a tumultuous era. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in Hellenistic history, religious practices, and the interplay of power in ancient societies.