summary of A Handbook of Ancient Religions edited by John R. Hinnells:

John R. Hinnells’ A Handbook of Ancient Religions is a comprehensive scholarly resource that examines the major religious traditions of the ancient world in both their historical development and cultural contexts. The volume brings together leading experts to provide detailed accounts of religious practices, texts, rituals, cosmologies, and institutions from civilizations such as ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China, and Iran, along with Jewish traditions in antiquity. Rather than presenting religion as a static set of beliefs, the handbook emphasizes how ancient religions functioned as dynamic systems deeply integrated into political, social, and artistic life, shaping and being shaped by the societies in which they were practiced. It explores myth and ritual, the role of temples and priesthoods, sacrificial practices, conceptions of the divine, and the relationship between religion and authority. The book also highlights points of continuity and contrast among different traditions, showing how ancient peoples grappled with questions of cosmic order, morality, life after death, and the proper relation between humans and the divine. Hinnells’ editorial approach stresses comparative study, enabling readers to see broader patterns—such as how empires used religion to consolidate power or how religious ideas migrated across cultures—while also appreciating the unique character of each tradition. Richly detailed yet accessible, the handbook serves as both an introduction for students and a reference for scholars, making clear the enduring significance of ancient religions not only for understanding the past but also for recognizing their influence on later religious and philosophical traditions that continue into the present.