Ilias N. Arnaoutoglou, Thusias heneka kai sunousias. Private religious associations in Hellenistic Athens: [Review]

The title of this book comprises two phrases, one in ancient Greek, the other one in modern English. This dichotomy reflects a basic characteristic of the subject: it can be adequately described and perceived only within the framework of the Greek culture, whereas modern definitions and comparisons, indispensable its discussion, are always inaccurate, and often misleading. The author (henceforth A.) is completely aware of this problem. The book starts with a warning that modern word usage and ideas about cult groups in the contemporary world are inappropriate for Classical and Hellenistic Athens. Towards the end of his study, the A. demonstrates that “the modern legal background of associations … is entirely irrelevant to the Athenian experience” (p. 119).