Greek mysteries : the archaeology and ritual of ancient Greek secret cults

Mystery cults represent the spiritual attempts of the ancient Greeks to deal with their mortality. The phenomenon is by no means restricted to Greece, but it is in Greece that it found its most profound philosophical explanation and justification. Given the lack of written testimonia, we rely on archaeology in trying to decipher the secrets of those mysteric cults. In the last few years, research in ancient Greek mystery cults has made serious advances thanks to a number of new analytical studies and archaeological discoveries in sanctuaries where mysteric cults where practiced. This volume showcases the results of the new research by allowing scholars, and specialists the opportunity to present their work and to place their research with the general context of Greek mystery cults. Through its wide chronological range (from the Bronze Age to the Roman Imperial period) and broad geographical coverage (Greece and Greek Asia Minor), the book reconstructs the development of ideological and ritual practice over time and space. Although the major cults, such as Eleusis and Samothrace, figure prominently in such a volume, a conscious effort has been made to discuss in detail the strikingly large number of lesser mysteric cults and deities, in order to contribute to the understanding of Greek mystery cults as a whole.

Mystery cults represent the spiritual attempts of the ancient Greeks to deal with their mortality. The phenomenon is by no means restricted to Greece, but it is in Greece that it found its most profound philosophical explanation and justification. Given the lack of written testimonia, we rely on archaeology in trying to decipher the secrets of those mysteric cults. In the last few years, research in ancient Greek mystery cults has made serious advances thanks to a number of new analytical studies and archaeological discoveries in sanctuaries where mysteric cults where practiced.

This volume showcases the results of the new research by allowing scholars, and specialists the opportunity to present their work and to place their research with the general context of Greek mystery cults. Through its wide chronological range (from the Bronze Age to the Roman Imperial period) and broad geographical coverage (Greece and Greek Asia Minor), the book reconstructs the development of ideological and ritual practice over time and space. Although the major cults, such as Eleusis and Samothrace, figure prominently in such a volume, a conscious effort has been made to discuss in detail the strikingly large number of lesser mysteric cults and deities, in order to contribute to the understanding of Greek mystery cults as a whole.

Mycenaean Religion At Eleusis: The Architecture And Stratigraphy Of Megaron B / Micahel B. Cosmopoulos -- Festival And Mysteries: Aspects Of The Eleusinian Cult / Christiane Sourvinou-inwood -- Stages Of Initiation In The Eleusinian And Samothracian Mysteries / Kevin Clinton -- In The Sanctuary Of The Samothracian Gods: Myth, Politics, And Mystery Cult At Ilion / Mark L. Lawall -- Evolutions Of A Mystery Cult: The Theban Kabiroi / Albert Schachter -- Mystery Cults In Arcadia / Madeine Jost -- Trophonius Of Lebadea: Mystery Aspects Of An Oracular Cult In Boeotia / Pierre Bonnechere -- Landscapes Of Dionysos And Elysian Fields / Susan G. Cole -- Orphic Mysteries And Dionysiac Ritual / Noel Robertson -- Lesser Mysteries, Not Less Mysterious / Fritz Graf -- Concluding Remarks / Michael B. Cosmopoulos. [edited By] Michael B. Cosmopoulos. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Written by an international team of acknowledged experts, this excellent book studies a wide range of contributions and showcases new research on the archaeology, ritual and history of Greek mystery cults. With a lack of written evidence that exists for the mysteries, archaeology has proved central to explaining their significance and this volume is key to understanding a phenomenon central to Greek religion and society. Religion in ancient Greece had a strong public character and within this public religion, there were special cults - 'mysteries'. This volume showcases new research on the archaeology, ritual and history of Greek mystery cults. [from publisher's advertisement] Religion in ancient Greece had a strong public character and within this public religion, there were special cults - 'mysteries'. This welcome volume showcases new research on the archaeology, ritual and history of Greek mystery cults The function of Megaron B at Eleusis is one of the most controversial issues in the history of the site.