Constructions of Space V: Place, Space and Identity in the Ancient Mediterranean World

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Description

This fascinating collection investigates the inherent spatiality of human existence. The contributors discuss ancient Mediterranean texts and societies from a decidedly spatial perspective, debating over such issues as narratological space, critical spatiality, sociological theories on space, space and identity, space and body. The volume consists of three parts and commences with three studies focusing on theoretical approaches towards spatial analysis and application of the theory to specific Old and New Testament texts. The essays in the second part examine the sacred space and the formation of identity, with particular attention to Jerusalem and the temple seen as sacred space and the lived experience of authors describing this space in various ways. The third part discusses the spatial theory and its application to a variety of texts ranging from the Epic of Gilgamesh to the New Testament.

Reviews

To my mind, the most important contribution of this book is the dialogue, never fully explicit, among its authors on the ways in which consideration of space and place might enhance our understanding of the Hebrew Bible, the world in which it originated, and the worlds to which it gave rise... The authors of this volume have...helped advance the conversation. -- Mark W. Hamilton, Abilene Christian University * Reviews in Religion and Theology *
The publication gives an overview of the possibilities and the recent progress of critical spatiality. It indicates how disparate disciplines and fields can be combined in a spatial examination. It succeeds in proving that critical spatiality has become part of the exegetical enterprise. It is highly recommended for scholars to keep track of the development of spatial analysis. -- Peter M. Venter, University of Pretoria, South Africa * Journal of Theological Studies (Vol. 64.2) *
Review * Zeitschrift fr die Alttestamentliche Wissenschaft, 2013, Issue 125 *

Author Bio

Gert T.M. Prinsloo is Professor of Semitic Languages in the Department of Ancient Languages at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Christl M. Maier is Professor of Old Testament at Philipps-University Marburg, Germany.