Aspects of Roman History 31 BC-AD 117 (Aspects of Classical Civilization)

£34.77

This new edition of Aspects of Roman History 31 BC- AD 117 provides an easily accessible guide to the history of the early Roman Empire. Taking the reader through the major political events of the crucial first 150 years of Roman imperial history, from the Empire’s foundation under Augustus to the height of its power under Trajan, the book examines the emperors and key events that shaped Rome’s institutions and political form. Blending social and economic history with political history, Richard Alston’s revised edition leads students through important issues, introducing sources, exploring techniques by which those sources might be read, and encouraging students to develop their historical judgement.

The book includes:

    • chapters on each of the emperors in this period, exploring the successes and failures of each reign, and how these shaped the empire,
    • sections on social and economic history, including the core issues of slavery, social mobility, economic development and change, gender relations, the rise of new religions, and cultural change in the Empire,
    • an expanded timeframe, providing more information on the foundation of the imperial system under Augustus and the issues relating to Augustan Rome,
    • a glossary and further reading section, broken down by chapter.

    This expanded and revised edition of Aspects of Roman History, covering an additional 45 years of history from Actium to the death of Augustus, provides an invaluable introduction to Roman Imperial history, surveying the way in which the Roman Empire changed the world and offering critical perspectives on how we might understand that transformation. It is an important resource for any student of this crucial and formative period in Roman history.

    Compendium Of The Emerald Tablets

    £32.40
    The history of the Emerald Tablets is strange and beyond the belief of modern scientists. Their antiquity is stupendous, dating back some 36,000 years B.C. The author is Thoth, an Atlantean Priest-King who founded a colony in ancient Egypt, wrote the Emerald Tablets in his native Atlantean language which was translated by many famous scholars. This compendium of the Emerald Tablets gives unique insight and understanding of the content. Billy Carson breaks down each tablet and decodes all of the esoteric messages, metaphysics, technology and quantum mechanics for the reader. Because of the tablet’s reference to the Egypt and sacred geometry they became a priority reference for those studying the Flower of Life and the Merkaba meditation. Foreword by Jimmy Church. 5 star reviews by Erich Von Daniken, Dr Tara Swart, George Noory, Jason Martell and many more!

    Uncovering World Mythology: The Ultimate Collection (5 Books in 1): The Perfect Beginner’s Guide On Greek Mythology, Norse Mythology, Celtic … Japanese Mythology (Ancient History Books)

    £29.88

    UPDATED COVER! From Mythology Best Seller Author Lucas Russo

    Embark on the Ultimate Adventure with “Uncovering World Mythology: The Ultimate Collection (5 Books in 1)”

    Unlock the secrets of ancient civilizations and take a journey through time with a collection that brings together the most captivating myths from around the world. This isn’t just a book; it’s a treasure trove of stories that have shaped human history, now waiting for you to explore.

    Why This Collection is a Must-Have:

    The ONLY Comprehensive Mythology Collection: Dive into Greek, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian, and Japanese myths all in one epic compilation.

    ✓ A Journey of Discovery: Uncover the tales of gods and heroes that have inspired art, literature, and culture for thousands of years.

    ✓ Transform Your Understanding of the World: See how ancient stories mirror our own lives and offer timeless wisdom for modern challenges.

    ✓ Expertly Curated: Each myth has been selected and retold by scholars passionate about making these stories accessible and engaging for all.

    ✓ Easy-to-Read Format: No jargon, just captivating stories retold in a way that everyone can enjoy and understand.

    ✓ Step-by-Step Exploration: Begin with the most famous tales and gradually uncover deeper mysteries within each mythology.

    ✓ Cultural Insights: Gain a deeper appreciation for the cultures that created these myths with background information and historical context.

    ✓ For Beginners and Enthusiasts Alike: Whether you’re new to mythology or a seasoned aficionado, this collection offers something new and exciting for everyone.

    Inside, You Will Discover:

    Book 1: Uncovering Greek Mythology
    – Explore the major Greek deities and their influence on Western culture.
    – Delve into the myths and creatures that shape Greek stories.
    – Understand the historical context and worship practices of ancient Greece.

    Book 2: Uncovering Norse Mythology
    – Dive into Norse gods, Viking culture, and their enduring global impact.
    – Examine the historical and cultural backgrounds of Norse myths.
    – Discover how these ancient tales resonate in the modern world.

    Book 3: Uncovering Celtic Mythology
    – Explore Celtic myths, legendary sagas, and folkloric traditions.
    – Meet the gods, heroes, and mythical creatures of Celtic lore.
    – Link to broader narratives like the legend of King Arthur.

    Book 4: Uncovering Egyptian Mythology
    – Investigate the gods, societal beliefs, and myths of ancient Egypt.
    – Learn about the construction of pyramids and historical Egyptian figures.
    – Explore beliefs about the afterlife and the underworld.

    Book 5: Uncovering Japanese Mythology
    – Discover the creation myths and key deities of Japanese folklore.
    – Engage with tales of heroes, spirits, and supernatural creatures.
    – Experience the unique Monogatari folktales and their cultural impact.

    Are You Ready to Uncover the Mysteries of the Ancients?

    “Uncovering World Mythology (5 Books in 1)” offers you the key to unlocking the secrets of the past. These stories are not just myths; they are a window into the soul of humanity, filled with heroes, villains, and lessons that resonate to this day.

    This is your chance to own a piece of history, to explore the mysteries that have fascinated humans for millennia. Don’t wait to embark on this journey of discovery.

    Click “Buy Now” to start your adventure into the heart of world mythology and transform your understanding of these ancient tales.

    Norse Paganism & Mythology Ultimate Collection 3:1: Be transported into the world of Viking culture and history. Discover the magic and mysticism of … & How to Incorporate into Your everyday life)

    £28.30

    Suspend your disbelief and embark on a journey through time and space, stepping into a world of Norse magic, paganism, runes, mythology, and mystery.

    Have you always been fascinated by Norse mythology and its myriad of powerful gods—including Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya, and Baldur?

    Have the Norse runes always mystified you, and would you love to know more about their history, symbolism, and usage?

    Would you like to harness the power of Norse magic, rites, and rituals so you can connect with the extraordinary Norse gods and goddesses?

    If so, look no further. Norse Magic, Runes & Mythology is the ideal guide that will take you through the past and present of the mysterious, fascinating, symbolic world of Norse paganism.

    Norse practices, rites, and rituals are far from limited to a bygone era.

    Rather, the knowledge they contain has been passed on from generation to generation, and you, too, can harness the power of Norse magic in your daily life.

    Norse Magic, Runes & Mythology contain a perfect blend of information about myths, realms,gods, and practical information on how to apply Norse magic in your life to guide you and assist you in achieving your goals.

    Within its pages, you will find

    An introduction to Norse magic featuring information on Odin’s tale of sacrifice, the nature of magic, and the power of language.

    ● Engaging information on Norse cosmology and the history of the world—from the Ginnungagap to the creation of the Nine Realms and the importance of the World Tree.

    ● The enigmatic gods and goddesses who shaped an array of worlds and resided in them—including the Æsir (such as Odin and Frigg) and the Vanir (Nerthus and Kvasir).

    Norse paganism—its characteristics, beliefs, and rituals—and how you can practice it and harness its power.

    The runes—their history, symbol, meaning, and usage. Discover how to cast, bind, and store runes.

    ● The key elements of Norse magic—including seiðr, spá, and galdr, plus key information about domestic and healing magic.

    Powerful Norse rites you can practice today—such as prayer and offerings, blót, Sumbel, and naming and wedding ceremonies.

    If you always thought that Norse magic belonged exclusively to the Gods, think again. Magic was and continues to be part of the Norse pagan community, and you can use it to divine the future, ask the Gods for something you desire or lend tradition and beauty to ceremonies such as your wedding.

    Plus, as a bonus, you will get Guide to Norse Paganism & Guide to Norse Pagan Holidays; in these, you will discover…

    • A detailed guide to what it takes to be a Norse Paganist – explore the world of Norse traditions, beliefs, mystical practices, and more
    • Elves, dwarves, trolls, giants, and many magical creatures and monsters in a comprehensive Norse bestiary
    • The cycle of birth and death and how it shaped the Viking culture
    • How to practice your beliefs while living in modern times – discover a complete framework to becoming a Norse Pagan
    • A comprehensive guide to celebrating Norse paganism – explore the festivities of nature, people, and magic deeply rooted in Norse customs throughout the year


    And much more…

    All this is just the tip of the iceberg. Within the Norse traditions, you’ll find a more profound and meaningful way to live your life.

    Its refreshing and liberating ways allow you to unlock your spiritual, physical, material, and emotional potential.

    So, what are you waiting for?

    The world of Norse Paganism awaits you – scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now.

    Uncovering Celtic Mythology: A Beginner’s Guide Into The World Of Celtic Myths, Fairy Tales, Folklore, Warriors, Celtic Gods and Creatures (Ancient History Books)

    £22.52
    Relive the magic of captivating legends and folktales in this rich collection on Celtic Mythology

    In 58 BCE, when Julius Caesar – the famous Roman general – wrote a commentary on the Gallic wars, he described the “Celt” speaking people who lived in the area then known as the Gaul.

    These people had their own culture, gods, and beliefs – called Celtic Mythology – which were very different from the Romans.

    The influence of this mythology, however, was not limited to a small territory. This culture spread across Europe, especially to the western nations of Britain, Ireland, France, and Spain.

    The legacy of Celts is still alive, and you may even have encountered these traces of Celtic culture:

    • The languages spoken by modern-day Irish, Scottish, and Welsh people
    • King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
    • The legends and pop-culture depictions of the shrieking spirit of Banshee
    • Conan the Barbarian, a very famous character appearing in films as well as comics
    • Bran Stark, from Game of Thrones, who becomes the Three-eyed Raven

    The above examples are just a handful of successors from the ancient Celtic culture, and the last two draw direct inspiration from Celtic mythology.

    And there’s even more from where those came from…

    In Uncovering Celtic Mythology, you will discover:

    • A comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to understanding the world of Celtic Mythology
    • The origins and culture of the Celtic people that inhabited Western Europe since the Iron Age
    • Symbolisms and Beliefs: explore creation myths, sacred trees, sacred festivals, and more!
    • Irish and Welsh Mythologies (and how they continue the folkloric traditions of the Celts)
    • The Great Cycles – relive the 4 great sagas that form the mythological history of Ireland’s Celtic people
    • A curated collection of folktales that form an important part of Irish and Welsh mythologies
    • 50+ character profiles – enjoy a lively cast of well known mythical heroes, gods, and goddesses
    • Over 30 different creatures – legendary monsters and mythical beings – waiting for you
    • How the Legend of King Arthur links with Celtic Mythology

    And much more.

    The Celtic culture, practices, beliefs, and myths are not just records of a bygone era… They are also examples of resilient traditions that continue to inspire mankind even in modern times.

    If you want to explore the magical myths of Celtic Mythology – and have fun while doing it – then scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now.

    Serbia’s Hidden Past: From the First Europeans to Modern Times: A Journey into the Lost History of Serbia and the Balkans

    £19.99
    Serbia, a land rich in history, holds some of the most significant yet often overlooked archaeological sites in Europe. From the enigmatic stone settlements of Lepenski Vir to the advanced urban planning of Vinča, the region has been home to some of the earliest and most advanced civilisations on the continent. However, despite their importance, many of these ancient sites have been neglected, submerged, or overshadowed by modern developments. This book seeks to uncover the true history of Serbia by exploring its archaeological past and linking it to modern DNA analysis, revealing the genetic continuity of its people and the potential secrets hidden beneath its soil.
    For centuries, mainstream history has often overlooked or misrepresented the significance of Serbian archaeological sites. The deliberate flooding of Lepenski Vir, the lack of proper excavation at Vinča, and the industrial developments at Viminacium raise questions about why these places have not received the attention they deserve. Were these events simply coincidental, or do they point to a broader effort to suppress historical truths? This book will examine these patterns, exploring the possibility that Serbia’s ancient past holds discoveries that challenge conventional historical narratives. By following a chronological timeline, we will trace the development of human civilisation in Serbia from the first known European settlers to modern times. The journey begins with the earliest human presence in the region, as evidenced by Neanderthal and early Homo sapiens remains found in caves such as Pešturina and Velika Balanica. These discoveries suggest that early humans inhabited the region far earlier than traditionally acknowledged, with genetic links to both Western European and Asian populations.

    The Ancient Mysteries: A Sourcebook of Sacred Texts

    £19.34

    Zeus and the other gods of shining Olympus were in reality divine only by popular consent. Over the course of time Olympian luster diminished in favor of religious experiences more immediate to the concerns of people living in an increasingly cosmopolitan ancient world. These experiences were provided by the mysteries, religions that flourished particularly during the Hellenistic period and were secretly practiced by groups of adherents who decided, through personal choice, to be initiated into the profound realities of one deity or another. Unlike the official state religions, in which people were expected to make an outward show of allegiance to the local gods, the mysteries emphasized an inwardness and privacy of worship within a closed band of initiates.
    In this book, Marvin W. Meyer explores the sacrifices and prayers, the public celebrations and secret ceremonies, the theatrical performances and literary works, the gods and goddesses that were a part of the mystery religions of Greece in the seventh century B.C. to the Judaism and Christianity of the Roman world of the seventh century A.D.

    Magic and Mysteries of Ancient Egypt

    £18.40
    Of all the civilisations of the ancient world, Egypt holds the greatest fascination. Both art and science flourished, and the knowledge of medicine, anatomy and biology was unequalled until modern scientific breakthroughs were made. The ancient Egyptians were also masters and mistresses of the magical arts. Magic was part of the very structure and fabric of their society and the Egyptians’ understanding of the spiritual realms, and of those hidden powers of the mind that we call psychic and magical, were unsurpassed. In Magic and Mysteries of Ancient Egypt you will learn how the ancient Egyptians used their psychic and magical powers to help them in everyday life. You will understand the cosmos as the ancient Egyptians saw it and become familiar with their pantheon of gods, including Heka, the god of magic. Each chapter contains an exercise that will help you develop your own psychic and intuitive powers and teach you how to practice some of the magical techniques of the ancient Egyptians. You will learn about your birth sign in the ancient Egyptian system and be able to determine your lucky and unlucky days. You will be able to intone sacred words, learn to understand and write hieroglyphs, inscribe spells on parchment, make a love charm, and use a divination bowl.

    Mesopotamia: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Mesopotamian History and Civilizations, Including the Sumerians and Sumerian Mythology, Gilgamesh, Ur, … Persian Empire (Exploring Ancient History)

    £17.80
    If you want to discover the remarkable history of Mesopotamia, then keep reading…

    Seven captivating manuscripts in one book:

    • Sumerians: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Sumerian History, Sumerian Mythology and the Mesopotamian Empire of the Sumer Civilization
    • Gilgamesh: A Captivating Guide to Gilgamesh the King and the Epic of Gilgamesh
    • Ur: A Captivating Guide to One of the Most Important Sumerian City-States in Ancient Mesopotamia
    • Assyrian History: A Captivating Guide to the Assyrians and Their Powerful Empire in Ancient Mesopotamia
    • Babylon: A Captivating Guide to the Kingdom in Ancient Mesopotamia, Starting from the Akkadian Empire to the Battle of Opis Against Persia, Including Babylonian Mythology and the Legacy of Babylonia
    • Hammurabi: A Captivating Guide to the Sixth King of the First Babylonian Dynasty, Including the Code of Hammurabi
    • The Persian Empire: A Captivating Guide to the History of Persia, Starting from the Ancient Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian Empires to the Safavid, Afsharid, and Qajar Dynasties

    Some of the topics covered in part 1 of this book include:

    • The Ancient Sumerians In a Nutshell
    • The Social Structure of Ancient Sumerians
    • The Religion and Mythology of Ancient Sumerians
    • The Sumerian Kingdoms Chronology
    • The Everyday Life of Ancient Sumerians
    • And much, much more!

    Some of the topics covered in part 2 of this book include:

    • The History of the Epic
    • All Eleven Tablets
    • Sumerian Poems About Gilgamesh
    • And much, much more!

    In part 3 of this book, you will:

    • Get a sense of how Ur came to existence, how it grew, reached its zenith, fell, re-rose, and ultimately perished until it reemerged a little over a century and a half ago
    • Learn of its history, laden with wars, trade, divine worship, political corruption, and entertainment
    • And much, much more!

    Some of the topics covered in part 4 of this book include:

    • The Assyrians Arrive in Mesopotamia: The Early Assyrian Period
    • The Birth of a Civilization: The Old Assyrian Empire to the Middle Assyrian Empire
    • The Beginning of the Neo-Assyrian Empire
    • Imperial Expansion and the Golden Age of the Neo-Assyrian Empire
    • The Fall of the Empire
    • Assyrian Government
    • And much, much more!

    Some of the topics covered in part 5 of this book include:

    • The Land of the Babylonians
    • Life, Culture, and Gender Roles Throughout the Years
    • Where Superstition Met Science
    • Babylonia Before the Babylonians
    • The Amorite Dynasty or the First Babylonians
    • The First Fall of Babylon and the Rise of the Kassites
    • Assyrian Domination and Rule, 911-619 BCE
    • And much, much more!

    Some of the topics covered in part 6 of this book include:

    • Babylon Before Hammurabi: Position of the City in Mesopotamia, Early Rulers
    • Rise of Hammurabi: Wars and Achievements Chronology of Hammurabi
    • Hammurabi’s Character: Physical Appearance, Relations with Other Rulers, Glimpses of His Personality
    • The Code of Hammurabi and Early Mesopotamian Law
    • And much, much more!

    Some of the topics covered in part 7 of this book include:

    • Who Are the Persians? The History of Human Population in Iran
    • The Birth of the Achaemenid Empire: The Rise and Reign of Cyrus the Great
    • The Glory of the Achaemenid Empire: Cambyses & Darius
    • And much, much more!

    So if you want to learn more about Mesopotamia, scroll up and click the “add to cart” button!

    Cosmic Legacy of Ancient Egypt

    £15.49

    Today, we do not use our ancient cosmic orientation to relate to the natural world as we once did. It’s no longer determined by where we are or what time it is by the Sun’s daily motion across the sky. Our perception of the outside world has changed, and we have lost our sense of wholeness within a great system. Factors such as our work and play rhythms, clothing, diet, and travel are affected by climatic and seasonal factors. These factors affect our unconscious sense of timing and our ability to communicate with nature, which we often overlook.

    Often we marvel at the apparent serenity and spiritual confidence of ancient people, forgetting that their tools were taught and used within an environment that encouraged them to recognize and embrace natural and divine forces. These tools enabled one to maintain a profound sense of cosmic orientation, keep it, and view one’s role as actual spiritual work. In ancient Egypt, a man named Al was gifted with a sense of cosmic orientation.

    As dams have been constructed in our era, the Nile no longer produces an annual flood, but understanding the rhythm of that event and others associated with it is essential to understanding Egyptian rituals and ceremonies. To restore cosmic orientation, we need to leave our temporal field of time and enter the visible universe of ancient Egypt, where cosmic rhythms sustained human life, nature, and even the gods.

    For Egyptians, both secular and spiritual matters were governed by the concept of time. Even though the gods’ realms (Neheh) were considered eternal, they were also continuous and manifested in cycles. According to cosmic life’s ebbs and flows, gods appeared at different times but were lasting and constant. Through the medium of heavenly bodies, events take place in linear time (Djet) and according to the ebb and flow of cosmic life. The three dimensions of cosmic activity were thought to be formed by three distinct rhythms, the lunar, solar, and stellar.

    Whispers of the Ancients: The Genetic Secrets of the Balkans: Myths, DNA, and the Untold Story of the Balkans

    £14.99
    This book embarks on a journey through time, tracing the deep genetic lineage of the Balkans from its earliest inhabitants to those who walk these lands today. Through cutting-edge DNA analysis, archaeological revelations, and the whispers of ancient texts, long-lost truths begin to emerge. The first settlers of this land left their mark not only in the ruins beneath our feet but in the genetic code carried through generations.
    Their origins, migrations, and the transformations of entire peoples are written into the bloodlines of the present. Beneath the myths and legends passed down through centuries lies something far older—fragments of history encoded within us, waiting to be uncovered. The past is not lost. It lives, hidden in the shadows of time, waiting for those who dare to look.

    Serbia’s Hidden Past: From the First Europeans to Modern Times: A Journey into the Lost History of Serbia and the Balkans

    £14.99
    Serbia, a land rich in history, holds some of the most significant yet often overlooked archaeological sites in Europe. From the enigmatic stone settlements of Lepenski Vir to the advanced urban planning of Vinča, the region has been home to some of the earliest and most advanced civilisations on the continent. However, despite their importance, many of these ancient sites have been neglected, submerged, or overshadowed by modern developments. This book seeks to uncover the true history of Serbia by exploring its archaeological past and linking it to modern DNA analysis, revealing the genetic continuity of its people and the potential secrets hidden beneath its soil.
    For centuries, mainstream history has often overlooked or misrepresented the significance of Serbian archaeological sites. The deliberate flooding of Lepenski Vir, the lack of proper excavation at Vinča, and the industrial developments at Viminacium raise questions about why these places have not received the attention they deserve. Were these events simply coincidental, or do they point to a broader effort to suppress historical truths? This book will examine these patterns, exploring the possibility that Serbia’s ancient past holds discoveries that challenge conventional historical narratives. By following a chronological timeline, we will trace the development of human civilisation in Serbia from the first known European settlers to modern times. The journey begins with the earliest human presence in the region, as evidenced by Neanderthal and early Homo sapiens remains found in caves such as Pešturina and Velika Balanica. These discoveries suggest that early humans inhabited the region far earlier than traditionally acknowledged, with genetic links to both Western European and Asian populations.

    The Other Ancient Civilisations: Decoding Archaeology’s Less Celebrated Cultures

    Original price was: £19.99.Current price is: £14.79.

    Discover Other Civilisations and Cultures With Rich and Unique Histories

    “If Indiana Jones wrote a guidebook, it might mirror what Raven Todd da Silva has penned. The Other Ancient Civilisations gives life to the shadows of heroes and everyday people travelers walk in the footsteps of today.” —Forbes Magazine

    Journey through 15,000 years of history and discover fascinating ancient civilisations and cultures that may have been overlooked in history class with Raven Todd DaSilva, award-winning scholar, archaeologist, and creator of the popular archaeology online educational platform Dig it With Raven.

    #1 New Release in Archaeology and in Religious Antiquities & Archaeology

    Lesser-known ancient civilisations and cultures. Go beyond the popular stories of Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Inca and the Maya, and uncover the rich diversity of people that are often overlooked. From the world’s first peace treaty to daring expeditions across the Pacific, learn about 20 ancient and historic cultures from around the world that have had monumental impacts on our modern world.  

    A more nuanced look at the ancient world. The Other Ancient Civilisations looks outside mainstream ancient civilisations and cultures and delves into astounding finds unearthed at archaeological sites around the world. Discover the archaeology that sheds light on the secret stories of the Nubians, Olmec, Xiongnu, Minoans, Akkadians, and many more. Each chapter delves beyond the rise and fall of each society, highlighting the lives of everyday peoples of the past. Discover who they interacted with and how they lived, and what we can learn from them.

    How archaeologists decode ancient cultures from what they left behind. Packed with summaries of current archaeological evidence, detailed maps and striking images of astounding artefacts and archaeological sites, The Other Ancient Civilisations is an indispensable collection of fascinating stories and facts that have helped archaeologists change the way we understand history.

    Inside discover:

    • A more in-depth understanding of lesser-know ancient cultures from around the world
    • An appreciation for the people who lived during these times and in these cultures—not just the great rulers and the monumental buildings left behind
    • A realization that ancient people were not that different from who we are today

    If you’ve read books such as The Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World, The Lost World of The Old Ones, or 1177 B.C., you’ll love Raven’s The Other Ancient Civilizations.

    Mystery Cults in the Ancient World

    £14.15
    A landmark study of ancient Greek and Roman cults, from the nocturnal mysteries at Eleusis to the cults of Dionysus and Mithras.

    Mystery cults are one of the most intriguing areas of Greek and Roman religion. In the nocturnal mysteries at Eleusis, participants dramatically re-enacted the story of Demeter’s loss and recovery of her daughter Persephone; in Bacchic cult, bands of women ran wild in the Greek countryside to honour Dionysus; in the mysteries of Mithras, men came to understand the nature of the universe and their place within it through frightening initiation ceremonies and astrological teachings.

    These cults were an important part of life in the ancient Mediterranean world, but their actual practices were shrouded in secrecy, and much of what they were about has remained unclear until now. This is the first book to describe and explain all the major mystery cults of the ancient world, cult by cult, reconstructing the rituals and exploring their origins. It makes plentiful use of artistic and archaeological evidence, as well as ancient literature and epigraphy. Greek painted pottery, Roman frescoes, inscribed gold tablets from Greek and South Italian tombs and the excavated sites of ancient religious sanctuaries all contribute to our understanding of ancient mystery cults. Making use of the most recent work on these cults, the book is also informed by crucial current work on the anthropology and cognitive science of religion.

    Not only is this clearly written book a significant contribution to the study of these cults, but it is also accessible to a general readership. More than any other book on ancient religion, it allows the reader to understand what it was like to participate in these life-transforming religious events.

    The Middle Kingdoms: A New History of Central Europe

    £13.59

    ‘Fascinating, masterful … gems scattered throughout the book’ Peter Frankopan, Spectator

    ‘Quirkily original but also scholarly and authoritative, to be read for pleasure and serious reflection’ Telegraph

    *The dramatic history of Europe’s shape-shifting centre, from the author of The Habsburgs*

    Central Europe is not just a space on a map but also a region of shared experience – of mutual borrowings, impositions and misapprehensions. From the Roman Empire onwards, it has been the target of invasion from the east. In the Middle Ages, Central Europeans cast their eastern foes as ‘the dogmen’. They would later become the Turks, Swedes, Russians and Soviets, all of whom pulled the region apart and remade it according to their own vision.

    Competition among Europe’s Middle Kingdoms yielded repeated cultural effervescences. This was the first home of the High Renaissance outside Italy, the cradle of the Reformation, the starting point of the Enlightenment, Romanticism, the symphony and modern nationalism. It was a permanent battleground too for religious and political ideas.

    Most recent histories of Central Europe confine themselves to the lands in between Germany and Russia, homing in on Poland, Hungary, and what is now the Czech Republic. This new history embraces the whole of Central Europe, including the German lands as well as Ukraine and Switzerland. The story of Europe’s Middle Kingdoms is a reminder of Central Europe’s precariousness, of its creativity and turbulence, and of the common cultural trends that make these lands so distinctive.

    Mesoamerican Mythology: A Captivating Guide to Maya Mythology, Aztec Mythology, Inca Mythology, and Central American Myths (World Mythologies)

    £13.55
    If you’re looking for a captivating collection of Inca Myths, then keep reading…

    This book includes four captivating manuscripts:

    • Maya Mythology: Captivating Maya Myths of Gods, Goddesses and Legendary Creatures
    • Aztec Mythology: Captivating Aztec Myths of Gods, Goddesses, and Legendary Creatures
    • Inca Mythology: Captivating Inca Myths of Gods, Goddesses, and Legendary Creatures
    • Central American Mythology: Captivating Myths of Gods, Goddesses, and Legendary Creatures of Ancient Mexico and Central America

    In the first part of this book, you’ll find the following Maya myths and topics covered

    • Two Creation Myths
    • The Downfall of Seven Macaw
    • The Boyhood Deeds of Hunahpu and Xbalanque
    • Ballgames in Xibalba
    • The Deaths and Resurrections of Hunahpu and Xbalanque
    • The Man Who Became a Buzzard
    • How the Sun and Moon Became Man and Wife
    • Rabbit Gets His Drink
    • And many more!

    In the second part of this book, you’ll find the following Aztec myths and topics covered

    • The Legend of the Suns
    • The Deeds of Mixcoatl
    • The Origin of Maize and the Creation of Pulque
    • The Fall of Xochiquetzal
    • The Fate of Souls
    • Huitzilopochtli and the Founding of Tenochtitlan
    • Huemac Plays the Ball Game
    • And many more!

    In the third part of this book, you’ll find the following Inca myths and topics covered

    • Stories of the Gods
    • Inca Political Myths
    • Five Andean Folktales and an Inca Play
    • And much, much more!

    In the fourth part of this book, you’ll find the following Central American myths and topics covered

    • Olocupinele Creates the World (Dule/Cuna, Panama)
    • Watakame’ and the Great Flood (Wixáritari/Huichol, Mexico)
    • Yomomuli and the Talking Tree (Yoeme/Yaqui, Mexico)
    • How the Sea Was Made (Cabécar, Costa Rica)
    • Mother Scorpion’s Country (Miskito, Nicaragua)
    • The Childhood of the Sun and the Moon (qne-a tnya-e/Chatino, Mexico)
    • The Invisible Hunters (Miskito, Nicaragua)
    • The King of the Peccaries (Bribri, Costa Rica)
    • How Opossum Stole Fire (Mazatec, Mexico)
    • Uncle Rabbit and Uncle Tiger (Nicaragua)
    • And much, much more!

    So if you want to learn more about these four mythologies, click “buy now”!

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