Mithraism was a Roman mystery cult that drew upon the mythology of Mithras from the Persian Zoroastrian religion. In this unique book, first published in 1903, Cumont explains how the Roman version differed from the original worship of Mithras and then identifies those rituals that have some historical accuracy. Often, the Roman rituals preserved only the external trappings of Zoroastrian worship, such as using animals skins during rites and designating caves as holy places. Cumont also shows his readers how Mithraism adopted beliefs and rituals from other sources as well, creating the cult in its fully realized form. He then goes on to show how the cult fell from favor and was finally overwhelmed by Christianity. Students of history and religion, as well as anyone interested in cult religions, will find this book an intriguing journey through an obscure era. Belgian archaeologist and historian FRANZ-VALERY-MARIE CUMONT (1869-1947) wrote numerous books, often making use of his interest in philology and the study of instructions. Among his books is Life After Roman Paganism (1922).

THIS 22 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism, by Franz Cumont. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564595374.

This book, from the series Primary Sources: Historical Books of the World (Asia and Far East Collection), represents an important historical artifact on Asian history and culture. Its contents come from the legions of academic literature and research on the subject produced over the last several hundred years. Covered within is a discussion drawn from many areas of study and research on the subject. From analyses of the varied geography that encompasses the Asian continent to significant time periods spanning centuries, the book was made in an effort to preserve the work of previous generations.

Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism and After Life in Roman Paganism.

Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism and After Life in Roman Paganism.

THIS 24 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism, by Franz Cumont. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564595374.

1912. 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.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

1910. Contents: Preface to the French Edition; The Origins of Mithraism; The Dissemination of Mithraism in the Roman Empire; Mithra and the Imperial Power of Rome; The Doctrine of the Mithraic Mysteries; The Mithraic Liturgy, Clergy and Devotees; Mithraism and the Religions of the Empire; Mithraic Art; Index.