Essen

Ethics (also) manifest themselves at the dining table: What, how, when, and with whom we eat is not without social, ethical, and religious implications. This volume explores these aspects of food in antiquity - from the death feast in Mari and Qat¿na, eating and fasting in the Hebrew Bible and early Judaism, to food prohibitions in mystery cults and early Christian table fellowship. Contributions from archaeology, biblical studies, early ecclesiastical, religious and cultural history show how eating practices shape identity, reinforce hierarchies, regulate purity, spark ethical discourse, and facilitate contact with the transcendent. Intercultural comparisons with Jainism, Pacific Christianity, and ritual eating practices in Judaism during Covid-19 offer new perspectives on current debates in food ethics.