Interpretatio graeca

methodology for cultural comparison

Interpretatio graeca (Latin: "interpretation by means of Greek [models]") is how the religious concepts and practices, deities, and myths of Ancient Greece were used to interpret or attempt to understand the mythology and religion of other cultures. The term interpretatio romana (first coined by the Roman historian Tacitus in his book Germania),[1] refers to the process as it was used by the Romans. Results of this process included using the names of deities as epithets for others, and identifying them in accordance with their various roles and functions.

References

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  1. Tacitus, Germania 43.