Discover how the stars shaped ancient faith—and still echo in our modern world.
Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans, first published in 1912 by Belgian archaeologist and historian Franz Cumont, is a fascinating exploration of the spiritual and cultural role of astrology in the ancient world. In this pioneering work, Cumont reveals how the movements of the stars and planets were not only observed for their scientific value but also worshipped as divine forces—deeply woven into the religious fabric of Greek and Roman society.
Drawing from a wide range of ancient astrological and astronomical texts, Cumont traces the evolution of star-worship from its roots in the Near East to its integration into classical Paganism. He shows how celestial knowledge—such as the tracking of planetary paths, lunar phases, and eclipses—was transformed into a cosmic belief system that promised meaning in life and hope after death. In this worldview, the stars were not just distant lights, but divine guides, and the soul's journey after death was envisioned as a celestial ascent through the heavens.
The book also explores enduring legacies of this ancient system: the seven-day week, planetary names for the days, and the symbolic transformation of the winter solstice into the celebration of Christ's birth. Written in thoughtful, accessible language, Cumont's work bridges scholarship and storytelling to illuminate how the heavens shaped the spiritual imagination of antiquity.
Ideal for readers interested in ancient religion, astrology, mythology, or the origins of Western spiritual traditions, Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans remains a landmark work in understanding the sacred skies of the ancient world.
1100183998
Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans, first published in 1912 by Belgian archaeologist and historian Franz Cumont, is a fascinating exploration of the spiritual and cultural role of astrology in the ancient world. In this pioneering work, Cumont reveals how the movements of the stars and planets were not only observed for their scientific value but also worshipped as divine forces—deeply woven into the religious fabric of Greek and Roman society.
Drawing from a wide range of ancient astrological and astronomical texts, Cumont traces the evolution of star-worship from its roots in the Near East to its integration into classical Paganism. He shows how celestial knowledge—such as the tracking of planetary paths, lunar phases, and eclipses—was transformed into a cosmic belief system that promised meaning in life and hope after death. In this worldview, the stars were not just distant lights, but divine guides, and the soul's journey after death was envisioned as a celestial ascent through the heavens.
The book also explores enduring legacies of this ancient system: the seven-day week, planetary names for the days, and the symbolic transformation of the winter solstice into the celebration of Christ's birth. Written in thoughtful, accessible language, Cumont's work bridges scholarship and storytelling to illuminate how the heavens shaped the spiritual imagination of antiquity.
Ideal for readers interested in ancient religion, astrology, mythology, or the origins of Western spiritual traditions, Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans remains a landmark work in understanding the sacred skies of the ancient world.
Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans
Discover how the stars shaped ancient faith—and still echo in our modern world.
Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans, first published in 1912 by Belgian archaeologist and historian Franz Cumont, is a fascinating exploration of the spiritual and cultural role of astrology in the ancient world. In this pioneering work, Cumont reveals how the movements of the stars and planets were not only observed for their scientific value but also worshipped as divine forces—deeply woven into the religious fabric of Greek and Roman society.
Drawing from a wide range of ancient astrological and astronomical texts, Cumont traces the evolution of star-worship from its roots in the Near East to its integration into classical Paganism. He shows how celestial knowledge—such as the tracking of planetary paths, lunar phases, and eclipses—was transformed into a cosmic belief system that promised meaning in life and hope after death. In this worldview, the stars were not just distant lights, but divine guides, and the soul's journey after death was envisioned as a celestial ascent through the heavens.
The book also explores enduring legacies of this ancient system: the seven-day week, planetary names for the days, and the symbolic transformation of the winter solstice into the celebration of Christ's birth. Written in thoughtful, accessible language, Cumont's work bridges scholarship and storytelling to illuminate how the heavens shaped the spiritual imagination of antiquity.
Ideal for readers interested in ancient religion, astrology, mythology, or the origins of Western spiritual traditions, Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans remains a landmark work in understanding the sacred skies of the ancient world.
Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans, first published in 1912 by Belgian archaeologist and historian Franz Cumont, is a fascinating exploration of the spiritual and cultural role of astrology in the ancient world. In this pioneering work, Cumont reveals how the movements of the stars and planets were not only observed for their scientific value but also worshipped as divine forces—deeply woven into the religious fabric of Greek and Roman society.
Drawing from a wide range of ancient astrological and astronomical texts, Cumont traces the evolution of star-worship from its roots in the Near East to its integration into classical Paganism. He shows how celestial knowledge—such as the tracking of planetary paths, lunar phases, and eclipses—was transformed into a cosmic belief system that promised meaning in life and hope after death. In this worldview, the stars were not just distant lights, but divine guides, and the soul's journey after death was envisioned as a celestial ascent through the heavens.
The book also explores enduring legacies of this ancient system: the seven-day week, planetary names for the days, and the symbolic transformation of the winter solstice into the celebration of Christ's birth. Written in thoughtful, accessible language, Cumont's work bridges scholarship and storytelling to illuminate how the heavens shaped the spiritual imagination of antiquity.
Ideal for readers interested in ancient religion, astrology, mythology, or the origins of Western spiritual traditions, Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans remains a landmark work in understanding the sacred skies of the ancient world.
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Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans
Astrology and Religion Among the Greeks and Romans
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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940184380957 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Barnes & Noble Press |
| Publication date: | 07/19/2025 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 464 KB |
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