Table of Contents

Preface ix

I Living with the Divine 1

II The Ancient Civilizations of the Mediterranean Basin 23

III Myths, Gods, and Heroes: Greece 47

IV Myths, Gods, and Heroes: Rome 71

V Temples and Priests 95

VI Worship of the Gods: Community Religious Festivals 113

VII Religion and Society 141

VIII Communicating with the Divine 161

IX The Mysteries 185

X Death and the Afterlife: Funeral Rites and Funeral Games 205

XI Religion and Philosophy 229

XII Religion and the State 253

XIII The Legacy of Greco‐Roman Religions in Western Culture 277

Glossary 303

Index 315

About the Author

Rebecca I. Denova, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in the History of Early Christianity in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. She also teaches courses on Greco-Roman religions, the religions of ancient Egypt, death in the Mediterranean world, and thematic courses on martyrdom and the history of evil in the western tradition. Dr. Denova lectures frequently in the local community for synagogue and interfaith groups and senior citizen interest seminars.