The Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism by Franz Cumont [1911]

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This is a very detailed review of what is known about the eastern religions which were absorbed into Roman Paganism during the late Republic and Imperial periods. Cumont, who also wrote The Mysteries of Mithra was a Belgian scholar who specialized in the study of ancient religion. Topics include the cults of the Magna Mater, Cyblele, Isis, Astarte, Mithrism and Zoroastrianism, as well as a study of astrology and how it became part of Roman beliefs. Roman Paganism started out as a system of animist beliefs with a simple pantheon of gods and goddesses. Contact with these diverse near-eastern religions added a sophisticated system of ethics, ritual and cosmology and a host of additional deities.

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Title Page
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Significance of Franz Cumont's Work
Preface
Preface to the Second Edition
I. Rome and the Orient
II. Why the Oriental Religions Spread
III. Asia Minor
IV. Egypt
V. Syria
VI. Persia
VII. Astrology and Magic
VIII. The Transformation of Roman Paganism

Notes

Preface
I. Rome and the Orient
II. Why the Oriental Religions Spread
III. Asia Minor
IV. Egypt
V. Syria
VI. Persia
VII. Astrology and Magic
VIII. The Transformation of Paganism