Herodotus on Sacred Marriage and Sacred Prostitution at Babylon

A critical re-evaluation of Herodotus' accounts reveals that his depiction of 'sacred prostitution' at Babylon was not inherently biased but rather served to condemn religious prejudice universally, regardless of ethnicity. The study challenges the notion that later Roman interpretations misrepresented Herodotus' original perspective, instead arguing that his work reflects a broader Greek appreciation for Eastern norms and political symbolism. By comparing Herodotus' narrative with passages from Xenophon, Diodorus, and Strabo, researchers highlight how 'sacred marriage' rituals functioned as both divine epiphanies and tools for political legitimacy in ancient Near Eastern societies. This analysis underscores the nuanced nature of Herodotus' reporting and its role in critiquing religious intolerance across cultures.

Anagnostou‑Laoutides, E., & Charles, Michael B. (2018). Herodotus on Sacred Marriage and Sacred Prostitution at Babylon. Kernos, 31, 9–37. https://doi.org/10.4000/kernos.2653