The Routledge Companion to Ecstatic Experience in the Ancient World

People have used ecstatic experiences for thousands of years in ritual practices, spiritual beliefs, and cultural identification. This book is the first systematic investigation of its roles and manifestations in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. It explores how the experience was construed, who was involved, where and when rites were carried out, and how it was reflected in pictorial arts and written records. The authors draw upon original research in many fields to generate new perspectives and conclusions, and the book includes illustrative content, such as commissioned reconstructions of ecstatic scenarios and pairings of Bronze Age and modern psychedelic art. Scholars, students, and other readers interested in antiquity, comparative religion, and the social and cognitive sciences will find much to explore in this fascinating realm.

Format: Hardback
Length: 536 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

For countless generations, individuals across the globe have embraced the ecstatic experience as a fundamental component in ritual practices, spiritual beliefs, and cultural identities. This comprehensive volume presents the first systematic exploration of its diverse roles and manifestations in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. The twenty-nine contributors, hailing from various scholarly disciplines, strive to answer essential questions about the patterns and similarities of this profound aspect of history. How did individuals perceive and attain this profound state? Who participated in these rituals? Where and when did they occur? How did it manifest in visual arts and written records? What was its relationship to other facets of society? In proposing answers, the authors draw upon extensive original research across various fields, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conclusions. Through their rich cross-cultural and cross-temporal references, the chapters mutually enrich each other, contributing to a deeper understanding of ecstatic phenomena thousands of years ago. Another notable aspect of the book is its illustrative content, featuring commissioned reconstructions of ecstatic scenarios and pairings of works of Bronze Age and modern psychedelic art. Scholars, students, and enthusiasts of antiquity, comparative religion, and the social and cognitive sciences will find a wealth of insights and opportunities to delve into the captivating realm of ecstatic experience in the ancient world.

Weight: 1442g
Dimension: 180 x 253 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367480325