| Aims of the Course |
The aim of this course is to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the belief systems and religious practices of the ancient period by examining the emergence, historical development, mythological and religious characteristics, the formation of sacred areas, and the architectural arrangements and functions of god and goddess cults in the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds, in light of archaeological, epigraphic, numismatic, and ancient written sources. In this context, the course aims to evaluate the origins, attributes, domains of influence, iconographic features, cult practices, rituals, festivals, and religious ceremonies of gods and goddesses. Furthermore, it aims to examine the historical development, topographical features, and architectural organizations of sacred areas, as well as the functions of temples, altars, votive structures, and other cult buildings, and the political, social, economic, and cultural roles of these sacred areas within urban life. Within the scope of the course, it is specifically intended to comparatively address the interactions between local god and goddess cults in Anatolia and Greek and Roman belief systems, regional cult traditions, and significant sacred sites; to enable students to analyze religious architecture, sculptural works, votive finds, and iconographic depictions within their historical and cultural contexts, and to evaluate the relationships between religion, society, and space in the ancient world using scientific methods. |