The Moon in the Greek and Roman Imagination: Myth, Literature, Science and Philosophy – eBook

Description

Dive into the captivating world of ancient thought with **The Moon in the Greek and Roman Imagination**, an insightful exploration of how the Moon shaped the intellectual landscape of Greco-Roman civilization. This scholarly work meticulously examines a diverse range of perspectives on the Moon, spanning from the time of Homer through to Lucian. Organized as a comprehensive survey, the book uniquely highlights various accounts of the Moon’s nature, characteristics, and the fantastical beings believed to inhabit it, all while showcasing the insights of natural scientists, philosophers, and imaginative writers like Pythagoreans, Plato, the Old Academy, Plutarch, Varro, and Lucian.

In this thought-provoking study, author ní Mheallaigh articulates how the Moon served as a critical platform for contemplating the nature of vision—whether philosophical, erotic, or scientific—and the complex relationship between reality and illusion. By delving into these ancient narratives, the book reveals how the Moon also became a catalyst for hoaxes, both in antiquity and in contemporary times.

Among the pivotal themes examined are the notion of *selēnoskopia* (viewing from elsewhere), the intricate interplay between fiction and scientific understanding, and the connections between the inception of science in classical city-states and the subsequent imperial period. Furthermore, it addresses the limitations of human knowledge itself, inviting readers to reflect on their own perspectives on the cosmos.

NOTE: This product includes only The Moon in the Greek and Roman Imagination: Myth, Literature, Science and Philosophy (Greek Culture in the Roman World) in PDF format. Access codes are not provided.

Unlock the mysteries of the lunar influence in ancient thought and enrich your understanding of how the Moon has been perceived through the ages. This digital edition serves as an essential resource for students, scholars, and anyone with a passion for classical studies, science, and the enduring allure of the Moon.