Tripolitis, professor of Late Antiquity and director of the Modern Greek Studies Program at Rutgers University, introduces the principal Western religions and their philosophical counterparts from the beginnings of Alexander the Great's empire in 331 BCE to the emergence of the Christian world in the fourth century CE. She examines the rise of the Hellenistic-Roman world and presents an overview of its beliefs and practices, their historical development, and the reasons for their success or failure. Discussion touches on Mithraism, Gnosticism, the mystery cults, and Hellenistic Judaism. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
