Associations and religion in context

The terms 'religious association' or 'cult association' are regularly usecl in scholarship, but their use and applicability have been in need of critical re-assessment for some time. In an attempt to find a more nuanced approach ancl gain a better understanding of the formation, organisation, and aims of ancient associations, this volume seeks to elucidate the wicler context(s) of associations' religious as well as social and cultural dimensions. A series of questions have shaped the volume's agenda: How and to what extent did religion inform the activities of ancient associations? What was the role of so-caIlecl religious associations in promoting social, political, cultural, ancl/or economic life in post-classical poleis? What role did religion play in associations' self-representation and in thcir relations with inclividuals, groups, local authorities, and/or external powers? To what extent were associations responsible (within their region or more ~idely) fOl" religious innovation, for example the introduction of new cuits or the introduction of new cultic practices? All in all, the papers clemonstrate that important insights can be gained fram consiclering the multifarious aspects of associations in close conjunction. They iIlustrate how the various dimensions (religious, social, funerary, etc.) of associative life are closely connected, with religious aspects usually taking a prominent place. These aspects informed and expressecl associations' internaI dynamics as weIl as their outward group identity and se1f-representation. Cultic activities and affiliations ultimately inform us about the places of private collectivities in society more broadly.