Overview

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 audience. More than any other book on ancient religion, it allows the listener to understand what it was like to participate in these life-altering religious events.

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Hugh Bowden is professor of ancient history and head of arts at King's College London's Faculty of Arts and Humanities. His main research focuses on ancient Greek religion and Alexander the Great. He has published various works on both subjects and has written for The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion. Bruce Mann is an award-winning voice artist and actor. He was born in the UK and now lives in California. His awards include several AudioFile Earphones Awards, two Audie nominations, and an AudioFile Excellence Award. Bruce began his audiobook career in 2001 with a recording of the classic Red Badge of Courage. His audiobook highlights include Two Crafty Criminals by bestselling author Philip Pullman, Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs (with Simon Callow) and Equilateral by the award-winning Ken Kalfus. Of all his recordings, his personal favorite is the classic Turn of the Screw by Henry James. Bruce trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has also studied with several eminent voice and acting teachers. In addition to his voice-over work, Bruce is also a busy theater and film actor and has appeared in theaters throughout the UK, Europe, and in the USA. He has featured on both British and American television and has appeared in several feature films. He has also directed and produced a variety of audiobooks by authors including George R. R. Martin, Salman Rushdie, Neil Gaiman, Terry Brooks, Tanith Lee, and Janet Evanovich. When not acting, Bruce is a keen musician, and has played Hammond Organ or bass guitar in many rock and blues bands. He is also a published songwriter with numerous credits. Bruce holds three degrees from the University of Cambridge, and more recently received his PhD. He is an experienced and skilled editor and proofreader of academic texts. Bruce Mann is an award-winning voice artist and actor. He was born in the UK and now lives in California. His awards include several AudioFile Earphones Awards, two Audie nominations, and an AudioFile Excellence Award. Bruce began his audiobook career in 2001 with a recording of the classic Red Badge of Courage. His audiobook highlights include Two Crafty Criminals by bestselling author Philip Pullman, Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs (with Simon Callow) and Equilateral by the award-winning Ken Kalfus. Of all his recordings, his personal favorite is the classic Turn of the Screw by Henry James. Bruce trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has also studied with several eminent voice and acting teachers. In addition to his voice-over work, Bruce is also a busy theater and film actor and has appeared in theaters throughout the UK, Europe, and in the USA. He has featured on both British and American television and has appeared in several feature films. He has also directed and produced a variety of audiobooks by authors including George R. R. Martin, Salman Rushdie, Neil Gaiman, Terry Brooks, Tanith Lee, and Janet Evanovich. When not acting, Bruce is a keen musician, and has played Hammond Organ or bass guitar in many rock and blues bands. He is also a published songwriter with numerous credits. Bruce holds three degrees from the University of Cambridge, and more recently received his PhD. He is an experienced and skilled editor and proofreader of academic texts.

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