In our mechanized and technology-oriented world, a book on Greek spirituality is both timely and appropriate. The book focuses not only on the major cults of Eleusis and Samothrace, but also on the lesser-known Mysteries in various parts of Greece, over a period of almost two thousand years, from the Late Bronze Age to the Roman Imperial period. In a field where archaeological research constantly brings new data to light, this volume provides a close analysis of the most recent discoveries, as well as a critical re-evaluation of the older evidence. Because of the oath of silence taken by the initiates, a thick veil of secrecy covers those cults and archaeology has become our main tool in deciphering their meaning. Once initiated, the individual was liberated from the fear of death by sharing the eternal truth, known only to the immortals.
As these cults had to do with the individual’s inner self, privacy was paramount and was secured by an initiation ceremony, a personal ritual that established a close bond between the individual and the gods.
Mystery cults represent the spiritual attempts of the ancient Greeks to deal with their mortality.
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