Concluding Remarks: Themes in Rhodian Religion

Abstract

Abstract The conclusion reflects on the value of local religious studies, and points to several themes that have emerged from the book that have a bearing on our broader understanding of Greek and Hellenistic religion. In turn, it considers how Rhodian religion informs us on the following themes: ‘polis religion’, epigraphic memory and sacred space, gender and religion, the sea and religion, and finally Hellenistic religion. An overarching conclusion is that this study of Rhodian religion in the Hellenistic period illustrates the continued vitality of polytheism, against the common perception of trends moving in the opposite direction. Other religious aesthetics can be seen to fit the Hellenistic mould better, albeit with their own idiosyncrasies.