SEARCHING FOR THE ROOTS OF ARCHAIC RELIGION

Abstract

According to a scheme for the interpretation of the history of religion suggested by Karl Jaspers, Mircea Eliade, and several other specialists in Rcligionsunssenscba]t the prehistoric was followed by the archaic which, in turn, lead to the axial and post-axial stages of development where the so-called higher traditions, at least, are concerned. The prehistoric refers to the typically shamanistic type tribal forms of religion which undoubtedly flourished during the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic, on the foundations of earlier beginnings. During the late Neolithic and Bronze Ages transition to priestly cults occurred in some areas. Subsequently, from the beginning of the first millennium B.C. to around 300 B.C.