This guide investigates the religious beliefs, cults, gods, and ritual practices of ten ancient cultures and traditions, interpreting them comparatively. The book moves beyond a traditional encyclopedic format to present materials from Mediterranean religions of Egypt, Anatolia, the Near East, Mesopotamia, Iran, Greece, and the Roman world, spanning from the third millennium BCE to the fourth century CE. Leading scholars examine central theoretical issues and specific topics such as cosmology, myth, law, ethics, magic, sacred times and spaces, prayers, divination, deities, demons, and the afterlife.

Written by leading scholars, this guide offers a comparative approach to understanding ancient religions, moving beyond a simple encyclopedic listing. The essays explore central theoretical issues and specific topics across various cultures, providing a rich resource for students and scholars. The comparative framework allows for nuanced interpretations of beliefs and practices that transcend cultural boundaries. The collection is noted for its scholarly depth and the breadth of its coverage of ancient Mediterranean religious traditions.