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The Secret Sacred

Mystery Cults in Ancient Greece and Rome
By Damien Stone
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Brief Description
The Secret Sacred explores the hidden religious practices of the classical world. These cults, shrouded in secrecy, promised initiates a transformative afterlife. While many rituals remain mysterious, artworks and historical texts provide glimpses of their underlying beliefs. The book examines Greco-Roman religious traditions and their divergence... Read More
Format: Hardback
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A lively account of the concealed faiths of the ancient world.

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The Secret Sacred explores the hidden religious practices of the classical world. These cults, shrouded in secrecy, promised initiates a transformative afterlife. While many rituals remain mysterious, artworks and historical texts provide glimpses of their underlying beliefs.

The book examines Greco-Roman religious traditions and their divergence into mystery cults, including Bacchic ceremonies depicted in frescoes, Orphic gold tablets guiding souls in the underworld, and the Eleusinian Mysteries celebrating Demeter and Persephone's cycle of rebirth.

Eastern deities like Mithras, Isis, and Cybele also feature in the cults discussed. The possible influence of mystery religions on early Christianity is also explored, drawing parallels with modern-day beliefs.

Featuring the most recent archaeological discoveries and stunning museum artefacts, this is a lively account of the concealed faiths of the ancient world.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781836391098

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 15 September 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 69 illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 216

Collections

Ancient & Classical History Damien Stone Education & Reference European History History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality Science & Nature

About the Author

Damien Stone is an archaeologist who lives in Sydney, Australia. His books include The Hittites: Lost Civilizations (Reaktion Books, 2023).

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