European Paganism: The realities of cult from antiquity to the Middle Ages - Hardcover

..."a mine of information on the dynamics of cult and worship. This is an altogether satisfying book that should find its way into the libraries of many individuals and institutions. Highly recommended. All readership." -"Choice "Ken Dowden offers a classicist's view...you will find much that is new here, and Dowden certainly approaches the subject rather differently....If he challenges nothing that has not already been challenged, he certainly does so in an endearing and relaxed manner." -The Pomegranate-International Journal of Pagan Studies

European Paganism provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of ancient pagan religions throughout the European continent.
Before there where Christians, the peoples of Europe were pagans. Were they bloodthirsty savages hanging human offerings from trees? Were they happy ecologists, valuing the unpolluted rivers and mountains? In European Paganism Ken Dowden outlines and analyses the diverse aspects of pagan ritual and culture from human sacrifice to pilgrimage lunar festivals and tree worship. It includes:
* a 'timelines' chart to aid with chronology
* many quotations from ancient and modern sources translated from the original language where necessary, to make them accessible
* a comprehensive bibliography and guide to further reading.