Mystery Religions of Antiquity

An illustrated book about the diverse mystical religions that flourished at the dawn of the Christian era. This book, looking back into the past, shows that the search for spiritual enlightenment in the religions of the East, the emphasis on spiritual development and experience, as well as the interest in hidden knowledge, are deeply rooted in Western culture. This gives myths, magic, rituals, and the wisdom of bygone eras new life, making them comprehensible to modern readers. Before you is a vivid and detailed overview of religions, from the cults of Mithras, Dionysus, and Orpheus to the cults of the Goddess, esoteric Christianity, Judaism, and Gnosticism. Additionally, the book features numerous diverse illustrations; the analysis of the symbolism of paintings, statues, reliefs, and other visual forms provides a wealth of additional information about these religions.