Doing justice to Zeus : on texts and commentaries
Date
2005
Authors
Thom, Johan C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SA ePublications
Abstract
The Hymn to Zeus by the Stoic philosopher Cleanthes is one of the most intriguing
texts to survive from tl1e Hellenist:ic period, and of great significance for the history
of Hellenistic philosophy, the history of Hellenistic and Greco-Roman religions as
well as the history of Greek literatu re. A detailed study of all three these facets -
philosophical, religious and literary - is essential for understanding the poem. The
Hymn itself is remarkable precisely because it combines different philosophical,
religious and literary traditions and sources into a new expression of philosophical
religion. Scholars, however, often focus on one aspect of the text without giving due
recognition to the integration accomplished in it. To do justice to this text means to
understand the way the text itself interprets the traditions it draws upon; it also
means to take the Hymn seriously as a text that still has something to say to us.
Description
The original publication is available at http://content.ajarchive.org/u?/00651141,199
Also available on Sabinet Gateway project - African Journal Archive, http://www.sabinet.co.za/?page=african-journal-archive
Also available on Sabinet Gateway project - African Journal Archive, http://www.sabinet.co.za/?page=african-journal-archive
Keywords
Cleanthes -- 331-232 B.C. -- Hymn to Zeus, Stoicism, Hellenistic philosophy, Hellenistic religion, Zeus (Greek deity)
Citation
Thom, J. C. 2005. Doing justice to Zeus: on texts and commentaries. Acta classica : proceedings of the Classical Association of South Africa : Dedicated to John Edward Atkinson, Professor Emeritus, 48(1-21)