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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ORPHEUS by R. F. Pagel

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ORPHEUS

By

Pub Date: Aug. 12th, 1968
Publisher: Roy

This book is about the discovery and identification of the Great Antrum at Baiac near Avernus, which the Ancients believed to be the Entrance to the Underworld. Of his exploratory experience in the company of Keith Jones, Dr. Paget says, ""We saw the sixth book of the Aeneid come to life before our eyes."" Dr. Paget revives the Phlegrean Fields when they were frequented by Horace and friends, when Agrippina was done to death at the command of her son. Two dates of special interest are 1000 B.C., the time of Homer, and the commencement of out era, when Vergil lived. For Orpheus he claims a historic reality and the assimilation of Egyptian theology. ""Christianity probably owes more to Orpheus than to many a minor prophet of the Old Testament: in fact he deserves to rank amongst the greatest of the prophets."" Dr. Paget sees Baiae as the cradle of Italian Christianity, the Oracle as offering services similar to those given by like institutions elsewhere. The mists and myths of antiquity take on palpable form in this investigation, which will lure a special, initiate audience. Photographs include one taken fifty feet below the surface of the Styx.