This engaging volume traces the development of the principal Western religions and their philosophical alternatives from the beginnings of Alexander the Great's empire in 331 B.C.E. to the emergence of the Christian world in the fourth century C.E. Antonia Tripolitis examines the rise of the Hellenistic-Roman world and presents a comprehensive overview of its beliefs and practices, their sociopsychological and historical development, general patterns of thought, and the reasons for their success or failure. Her work examines Mithraism, Hellenistic Judaism, Christianity, and Gnosticism as well as the philosophies of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Middle Platonism. It also includes a review of the principal mystery cults, Demeter at Eleusis, Dionysus, Isis, and Cybele or Magna Mater.
Professor of Late Antiquity and Director of the ModernGreek Studies Program at Rutgers University in NewBrunswick, New Jersey. Her other books include TheDoctrine of the Soul in the Thought of Plotinus and Origen, Origen: A Critical Reading, and Kassia: The Legend, the Woman, and Her Work."
Ronald F. Hock "An excellent volume. The scope is comprehensive, the treatment is detailed and clear, and the individual sections are succinct, incisive, and authoritative. It is especially welcome to have informed introductions to such diverse phenomena as the Greek mystery cults and philosophical schools, the Jewish synagogue and Jewish wisdom and apocalyptic thought, and the origins, theological development, and eventual success of Christianity all treated clearly, fully, and comprehensively in one book -- making it ideal for students studying early Christianity or Late Antiquity in general. As a parachutist's view of the religious landscape of antiquity, this book is able to include all the major religious traditions and see the converging and diverging patterns in the ways they responded to the new world established by Alexander the Great. Highly recommended. " Expository Times "If someone is looking for one book which will tell them something about the mystery religions, Stoicism, Middle Platonism, Mithraism, Diaspora Judaism, early Christianity and Gnosticism, then this book does just that. Its strength is in its sweep and its readability." Bryn Mawr Classical Review "A useful survey introduction to the religions of classical antiquity. The author's clarity of expression is evident on every page, as she presents the data about classical religions in a lucid, succinct and accessible manner. The book would serve very well as an undergraduate textbook. " Old Testament Essays "A splendid introduction for undergraduate students to the world of Hellenistic-Roman thought and religion."
