Bassaris

/ˈbæsərɪs/ noun

Definition

Variant plural of bassarid, or an alternative term for followers of Bacchus in classical antiquity.

Etymology

From Greek and Latin sources describing the cult followers of Dionysus. The term appears in classical and neo-classical literature studying ancient religions and mystery cults.

Kelly Says

The ecstatic religious experiences of Bassarids influenced how later Christian theologians thought about religious experience and spiritual possession—ancient Greek religion shaped how Western Christianity understood mysticism.

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