Probably more is known about the religious life of Athens than of any other ancient city. This book attempts for the first time to give a comprehensive account of that religion from every angle - public festivals are there, including the Eleusinian Mysteries, but so are private rites and magic, and the treatment of religion by the great playwrights of Athens. The Athenians emerge as both very pious and very down-to-earth. - ;This book is the first attempt that has ever been made to give a comprehensive account of the religious life of ancient Athens. The city's many festivals are discussed in