Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism (Dover Orientalia) (T321)

New York: Dover Publications, 1956. Reissue. Trade Paperback. Very Good. 7x5x0. Wrappers lightly toned. 1956 Trade Paperback. xxiv, 298, [21] pp. Unabridged 1956 reissue of 1911 English translation of the second French edition. First published in French as "Les religions orientales dans le paganisme romain" in 1906, this book examines the influence of Eastern religions, particularly those of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East, on Roman paganism during the Roman Empire. Cumont explores the importation and assimilation of various religious cults and practices from regions such as Egypt, Syria, and Persia into the religious landscape of ancient Rome. He discusses the spread of cults dedicated to deities like Isis, Mithras, and Cybele, and their impact on Roman religious syncretism. Cumont's work draws from a wide range of ancient sources, including inscriptions, artifacts, and literary texts, to analyze the integration and popularity of Oriental religions within Roman society. His research sheds light on the religious diversity and cultural interactions of the Roman Empire during this period. Although "The Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism" remains a significant work, it is worth noting that subsequent research and discoveries have contributed to the field of Oriental religions and Roman paganism. For more up-to-date scholarly perspectives, it may be beneficial to consult more recent publications on the subject.