Thesaurus Cultus Et Rituum Antiquorum (ThesCRA).

Book excerpt: Thesaurus Cultus et Rituum Antiquorum (ThesCRA) is a major multi-volume reference on all known aspects of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cults and rituals. Providing both a sweeping overview and in-depth investigation, ThesCRA covers the period from Homeric times (1000 B.C.) to late Roman times (A.D. 400). A definitive work on the topic, ThesCRA is the culmination of many years of research by scholars from across the United States and Europe and throughout the Mediterranean world. Each of their texts-either in English, French, German, or Italian-is followed by a catalogue entry listing the epigraphical and literary sources cited and referencing ancient iconographical documents related to the topic. Many of these iconographical items are depicted either in line drawings in the texts or in the plate sections of each volume. On completion, ThesCRA will comprise five volumes, a book of abbreviations, and an index volume. The volumes are arranged thematically. The first three deal with dynamic elements of ancient cults, such as cultic ritual and practice, while the last two are devoted to static elements, such as cult places and their personnel. The first two volumes, available in February 2005, discuss processions, sacrifices, libations, fumigations, and dedications (Volume I); and purification, consecration, initiation, heroization, apotheosis, banquets, dance, music, and rites and activities related to cult images (Volume II). Volume III, slated for August of 2005, will deal with divination; prayers and gestures of prayer; gestures and acts of veneration; supplication; asylum; oaths; magic; curses; and desecration. Volumes IV and V, along with the Index, are scheduled for publication in February 2006.