CLARA Review: Nassos Papalexandrou Bronze Monsters and the Cultures of Wonder. Griffin Cauldrons in the Preclassical Mediterranean. Austin: University of Texas Press 2021

Nassos Papalexandrou’s Bronze Monsters and the Cultures of Wonder is an ambitious exploration into the intricate and fascinating world of griffin cauldrons in the Preclassical Mediterranean. With a sharp analytical approach, Papalexandrou sheds new light on these enigmatic artifacts, positioning them as not merely ceremonial objects but as powerful symbols within the social and spiritual life of ancient communities. The study navigates multiple academic terrains, including archaeology, art history and anthropology, to understand how these artifacts engaged their audiences and shaped cultural identities in the early Mediterranean.