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1 results

  • Chapter 2 - Visual Representations of the Gods in Tragedy

  • from Part I - Greek Tragedy and Mechanical Epiphany
  • Tatiana Bur, Australian National University, Canberra
  • Book:
    Technologies of the Marvellous in Ancient Greek Religion
    Published online:
    04 September 2025
    Print publication:
    24 July 2025, pp 49-63
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  • Summary

    Chapter 2 contextualises the mēchanē within the broader picture of rich visual theologies that existed both on the tragic stage and within the context of the Great Dionysia. The mēchanē should be interpreted alongside actors playing gods, statues depicting gods, and altars denoting sacred places. The plurality of visual theologies in the theatre and in the festival context parallels broader cultural norms in ancient Greece. This is important, on the one hand, to understand how the machine existed within broader religious and cultural expectations. On the other hand, putting the mēchanē and mechanical epiphany among other, contemporary strategies also helps to demonstrate the deus ex machina’s unique material, theatrical and theological characteristics.