The moral world of Greco-Roman associations

Abstract

This article examines the language and regulations of Greco-Roman associations with a focus upon their moral worlds. Many of the virtues ascribed to the benefactors of and participants in these associations are based more upon their financial and administrative contributions than personal character, but sometimes such virtues are applied to people who do not provide financial assistance, suggesting a democratization of Greek values. Although the evidence indicates that generally ancient associations did not require a moral transformation of their members, nor did they stress moral guidelines beyond activity in the association (for which they were criticized by others), the strictly enforced regulations for life in the association upheld important codes that were connected to broader societal values. Evidence from the associations is thus another important component for the examination of the background and tensions among religions of antiquity.