Mithraism And The Religions Of The Empire

Mithraism and the Religions of the Empire is a scholarly book written by Franz Cumont, a Belgian historian and philologist. The book explores the ancient Roman religion of Mithraism, which was a mystery cult that worshipped the god Mithras. Cumont examines the origins of Mithraism, its spread throughout the Roman Empire, and its relationship with other religions of the time.The book is divided into seven chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of Mithraism. The first chapter provides an overview of the history of the religion, including its roots in Persia and its adoption by the Roman military. The second chapter examines the mythology of Mithras, including his birth from a rock and his slaying of a bull.The third chapter explores the rituals and practices of Mithraism, including initiation rites, communal meals, and the use of caves as places of worship. The fourth chapter examines the spread of Mithraism throughout the Roman Empire, including its influence on other religions and its decline in the face of Christianity.The fifth chapter explores the relationship between Mithraism and other religions of the time, including Judaism, Christianity, and the cult of Isis. The sixth chapter examines the influence of Mithraism on art and literature, including its depiction in Roman mosaics and its influence on the works of Dante and Milton.The final chapter provides a summary of Cumont's findings and conclusions about Mithraism and its place in the religious landscape of the Roman Empire. Overall, Mithraism and the Religions of the Empire is a comprehensive and detailed study of an important aspect of ancient Roman religion and culture.THIS 40 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Mysteries of Mithra, by Franz Cumont. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564596907.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. 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 their original work.