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Syncretism
(1,979 words)

I. In the context of religious studies

[German version]

A. General remarks

In a religious context, syncretism can be defined as the process of either a peaceable or a contentious mutual permeation of elements taken from two or more traditions [1]. Here 'tradition' is inevitably an ambiguous concept; in considering Antiquity, scholars traditionally distinguish between 'internal syncretism' and 'contact-based syncretism'.

'Internal syncretism' refers to the transfer of manifestations, names…

Cite this page
Gordon, Richard L. (Ilmmünster) and Gippert, Jost (Frankfurt/Main), “Syncretism”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e1127270>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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