The Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism

A scholarly survey examines how Eastern religions and associated practices penetrated Roman pagan society, tracing origins, mechanisms of spread, and cultural adaptation. It analyzes the appeal of sensory ritual, promise of immortality, doctrine, and moral elements across Phrygian, Egyptian, Syrian, and Persian cults, plus astrology and magic, and considers economic, military, and imperial vectors of diffusion. Individual conversion dynamics, liturgy, festivals, and rites such as purification and the taurobolium receive attention, alongside polemic and persecution. The work concludes that Roman religion underwent progressive Orientalization as rituals, theology, and eschatological hopes were restructured toward mystery and personal salvation.