Cities and Gods

This volume explores the impact of religious traditions on the physical
and social organisation of cities in the ancient world. The contributors
draw on diverse theories, methods and evidence to identify the existence
of broad similarities and differences in the urban religious experience.
Individual papers range from the Roman Republican period to Late
Antiquity, and encompass the city of Rome, Italy, and both the eastern
and western provinces. Specific themes include the relationship between
liturgy and temple architecture, the influence of religious traditions
on civic spaces, and the impact of Christianity on the pagan city.
Together, these papers make the case for the centrality of ritual and
religion in the experience of the ancient city and throw light on
current debates by providing historical examples of the varied ways in
which communities accommodate changing religious practices in the urban
fabric.