Mystery Cults in the Ancient World

Regular price
Unit price
per
Compare to estimated retail price: S$25.65  

Exploring enigmatic rituals of Ancient Mediterranean.

If you're captivated by the secrets of ancient religions, "Mystery Cults in the Ancient World" will transport you to the clandestine ceremonies and spiritual practices of Greece and Rome. Hugh Bowden excavates the hidden dimensions of history with a blend of artwork, archaeology, and literature, offering a glimpse into what it was to partake in these transformative rituals. It's the key to a door that's been closed for millennia, revealing a deeper understanding of the ancient universe and your place within its forgotten spiritual landscape.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

Mystery Cults in the Ancient World

Regular price
Unit price
per
Compare to estimated retail price: S$25.65  
Condition guide

Save 10% On This Item as a Thryft Club Member

Join Thryft Club for S$30/year and enjoy 10% off everything, plus S$10 off your first order. Join now →

ISBN: 9780500297278
Authors: Hugh Bowden
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Date of Publication: 2023-09-19
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: History, Religion, Philosophy
Goodreads rating: 3.83
(rated by 339 readers)

Description

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 reenacted the story of Demeter’s loss and recovery of her daughter Persephone; in the Bacchic cult, bands of women ran wild in the Greek countryside to honor Dionysus; 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. Mystery Cults in the Ancient World makes plentiful use of artistic and archaeological evidence, as well as ancient literature and epigraphy, to reconstruct the sacred rituals and explore their origins. Greek painted pottery, Roman frescoes, inscribed gold tablets from Greek and Southern Italian tombs, and the excavated sites of religious sanctuaries all contribute to our understanding of ancient mystery cults. Not only is this clearly written book a significant contribution to the study of these cults, it is also accessible to a general readership. More than any other book on ancient religion, it allows the reader to understand what it was like to participate in these life-altering religious events.
 

Exploring enigmatic rituals of Ancient Mediterranean.

If you're captivated by the secrets of ancient religions, "Mystery Cults in the Ancient World" will transport you to the clandestine ceremonies and spiritual practices of Greece and Rome. Hugh Bowden excavates the hidden dimensions of history with a blend of artwork, archaeology, and literature, offering a glimpse into what it was to partake in these transformative rituals. It's the key to a door that's been closed for millennia, revealing a deeper understanding of the ancient universe and your place within its forgotten spiritual landscape.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.