Oaths and Swearing in Ancient Greece

by Alan H. Sommerstein, Isabelle Torrance (Editor)

The oath was an institution of fundamental importance across a wide range of social interactions throughout the ancient Greek world, making a crucial contribution to social stability and harmony; yet there has been no comprehensive, dedicated scholarly study of the subject for over a century. This volume of a two-volume study explores the nature of oaths as Greeks perceived it, the ways in which they were used (and sometimes abused) in Greek life and literature, and their inherent binding power.

473 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2013

Reviews

[Iset]

A very specific topic, but pretty thoroughly examined in this book, and most informative for those wanting to know more about oath-taking, the gods sworn by, associated rituals, and the believed punishments for perjurers.