This classic work has been long known as the best introduction and overview of the early cult of Mithraism. He traces the original worship of Mithras back to ancient Hinduism and up through Persia, but points out that this particular expression, found in the Roman Empire, originated there. Before Christianity stamped it out, it had gained strength rapidly and was the main pagan religion of its time. This book puts Christianity and Mithraism side by side in the Roman Empire and reveals exactly how and why Christianity survived and the Mithraism did not. The author, Cumont, spent years...
This classic work has been long known as the best introduction and overview of the early cult of Mithraism. He traces the original worship of Mithr...
According to a rite borrowed by the Romans from the Etruscans, a pit was dug in the centre of the city, when the latter's foundations were laid, in order to make the Inferi communicate with the upper world. First fruits and other gifts were thrown into the pit, as well as a clod of the earth of the settlers' native country. Thus they restored their broken contact with the Manes of their ancestors. -from "The Nether World" Franz Cumont was one of the preeminent classical scholars of his day, and his investigations into the history of religion had a dramatic impact upon the fields of...
According to a rite borrowed by the Romans from the Etruscans, a pit was dug in the centre of the city, when the latter's foundations were laid, in or...
Contents: The Chaldeans; Sketch of the History of Chaldean Astronomy and Its Influence Upon the Religion; Babylonia and Greece; Dissemination in the West; Power of Astrology; Hermetic Books; Israel and Astrology; The Oriental Mysteries; Theology; Sacred Numbers; The Sun as the Highest God; Development of Solar Theology; Astral Mysticism Ethics and Cult; Mystic Element in Astral Religion; Cosmic Emotion; Eschatology; Astral Mysticism as a Preparation for the Future Life; Principal Doctrines; Magic Processes.
Contents: The Chaldeans; Sketch of the History of Chaldean Astronomy and Its Influence Upon the Religion; Babylonia and Greece; Dissemination in the W...