Description:
Why did so many ancient communities have not one, but several, foundation myths? This book addresses the phenomenon of plural foundation myths, exploring examples from across classical antiquity. It makes the case for understanding foundation myths not as stand-alone stories, but as elements within a wider discourse of origins.
Review Quotes: "An outstanding contribution to the study of foundation myths in ancient societies. Mac Sweeney sets out an exciting new paradigm in which they are treated as segments of multilayered foundation discourse; the individual contributors apply this model to a wide range of ancient societies from Italy to Afghanistan, with breathtaking results."-- "Ian Rutherford, University of Reading"