For millennia, people have universally engaged in ecstatic experience as an essential element in ritual practice, spiritual belief and cultural identification. This volume offers the first systematic investigation of its myriad roles and manifestations in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. "This is a landmark work in the revival of studies on ecstatic states and the ways in which these experiences have informed religious beliefs and ritual practices throughout the ancient world." -Patrick McNamara, Associate Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine "This innovative volume is particularly excellent in its interdisciplinary approach and broad definition of the ancient world, bringing together so many experts in the study of ecstatic experience."-Laurence Totelin,Reader in Ancient History, School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff University "This book goes far toward systematizing our reaction not only to what Emily Vermeule memorably described as 'the individual and strange' in Aegean art but also to their wide-ranging manifestations elsewhere in the ancient world, enlarging our understanding of the vital roles they played in religion and society." -John G. Younger,Professor Emeritus, Department of Classics, University of Kansas