Fertility gods and goddesses of ancient agricultural societies
by Randa, Diana G., M.A., CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, DOMINGUEZ HILLS, 2009, 125 pages; 1472186

Abstract:

Ancient civilizations were primarily agricultural. Their populations relied heavily on fertility gods and goddesses to insure the survival of their people, which included successful crops and the successful continuance of their people. Approximately one hundred five gods and goddesses in thirteen ancient civilizations are compared on twenty-nine variables by entering data on predetermined characteristics into a spreadsheet. The study is not limited to such a mechanistic approach but reviews myths and other written sources to address the (1) similarities and differences in descriptions of the fertility gods and goddesses, (2) similarities and differences in worship, including fertility rites, fertility cults, ceremonies, festivals, and (3) any influence on future societies.

 
AdviserDavid A. Churchman
SchoolCALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, DOMINGUEZ HILLS
SourceMAI/ 48-02, p. , Jan 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsReligious history; Cultural anthropology; Ancient history
Publication Number1472186
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