304 pages : illustrations (black and white, and colour) ; 20 cm
Notes:
Originally published: Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010. Includes bibliographical references (pages 275-289) and index.
Contents:
Introduction -- 1. The Eleusinian mysteries -- 2. The mysteries of the Kabeiroi and the great gods of Samothrace -- 3. Other mystery sanctuaries in the Greek world -- 4. The mother of the gods -- 5. Dionysus -- 6. Private initiation -- 7. Words written on gold -- 8. Isis -- 9. Mithras -- 10. The end of the mysteries -- 11. Encountering the sacred -- Map of Mediterranean and Near East -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Acknowlegments -- Sources of illustrations -- Index.
Summary:
A landmark study of ancient Greek and Roman cults, from the nocturnal mysteries at Eleusis to the cults of Dionysus and Mithras. Mystery cults are one of the most intriguing areas of Greek and Roman religion. In the nocturnal mysteries at Eleusis, participants dramatically re-enacted the story of Demeter's loss and recovery of her daughter Persephone; in Bacchic cult, bands of women ran wild in the Greek countryside to honor Dionysus; and in the mysteries of Mithras, men came to understand the nature of the universe and their place within it through frightening initiation ceremonies and astrological teachings. These cults were an important part of life in the ancient Mediterranean world, but their actual practices were shrouded in secrecy, and many of their features have remained unclear until now....A fresh and accessible introduction to a fascinating subject, this is a book that will interest general readers, as well as students and scholars of classics and religion.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.