From good goddess to vestal virgins: sex and category in Roman religion

Abstract

Contents Preface Introduction The Cult of Bona Dea: Introduction to Chapter 1 Chapter 1: The Cult of Bona Dea 1. Hercules and Cacus 2. Hercules and Bona Dea 3. The Women's Goddess 4. 'A Rite So Ancient...' 5. Bona Dea and the Mysteries of Mithras 6. Opertanea Sacra 7. Wine, Milk and Honey. The Cults of Ceres and Flora: Introduction to Chapter 2 Chapter 2: Ceres and Flora 1. Uneasy Misogyny 2. Wife and Prostitute in Myth 3. Wife and Prostitute in Ritual. Venus' Role in Roman Religion: Introduction to Chapter 3. Chapter 3: Venus 1. Venus Verticordia 2. Venus Obsequens and Venus Erycina 3. Venus and Bona Dea. The Vestals and Rome: Introduction to Chapter 4 Chapter 4: The Uses of Virginity: The Vestals and Rome 1. The Transvaluation of Virginity 2. Virginity and the Ritual Representation of Roman Integrity. Conclusion Notes Bibliography.