History 591J - S-Sacrifice & Martyrdom

This seminar will focus on the sacrificial systems of humans from their earliest discernible developments among human foraging groups, through their increasing elaboration in cultures based on agriculture, to their extreme developments and inversions in complex cultures. We will especially focus on the meanings given to human sacrifice and martyrdom in complex cultures. Among the many cultures we will be touching on are the Ainu and Nootka, the Aztec and Romans, the modern Indians and Europeans.

Open to Seniors and Juniors in History, Middle East and Judaic majors only.