The papers of this volume focus on the sacred landscapes of ancient Sicily. Religious and
cultural dimensions of Greek sanctuaries are assessed in light of the results of recent
exacavations and new readings of literary sources. The material dimension of cult practices in
ancient sanctuaries is the central issue of all contributions with a focus on the findings
from ancient Akragas. Great attention is also paid to past ritual activities which are framed
in three complementary areas of enquiry. Firstly the architectural setting of sanctuaries is
examined beyond temple buildings to assess the wider context of their structural and spatial
complexity. Secondly the material culture of votive deposition and religious feasting is
analysed in terms of performative characteristics and through the lens of anthropological
approaches. Thirdly the significance of gender in cultic practice is investigated in light of
the fresh data retrieved from the field. The new findings presented in this volume contribute
to close the existing research gaps in the study of sanctuaries in Sicily as well as the wider
practice of Greek religion.
