The Secret Sacred

A fresh, wide-ranging, and accessible account of one of the most fascinating and under-studied aspects of Greco-Roman religion, drawing on both literary and material evidence. Richly illustrated and thoroughly up to date, this engaging study offers readers a compelling glimpse beyond the well-known aspects of official Greek and Roman religion, revealing a more personal dimension of how the ancient Greeks and Romans encountered the supernatural. * Julia Kindt, Professor of Ancient History, The University of Sydney, and author of The Trojan Horse and Other Stories *In this clearly written, well-illustrated and engaging book, Damien Stone pulls together hints in ancient texts, imagery, and archaeological remains to give insight into one of the more intriguing aspects of life in the Greco-Roman past, the “mystery cults” whose practices and teaching were known only to the initiates. * Margaret C. Miller, Emerita Professor of Classical Archaeology, The University of Sydney *

Damien Stone is an archaeologist who lives in Sydney, Australia. His books include The Hittites: Lost Civilizations (Reaktion Books, 2023).