p 　　Professor Bettany Hughes investigates the story of Bacchus, god of wine, revelry, theatre and excess, travelling to Georgia, Jordan, Greece and Britain to discover his origins and his presence in the modern world, and explore how 三九 losing oneself 三九 plays a vital role in the development of civilisation br 　　In this fascinating journey, Bettany begins in Georgia where she discovers evidence of the world 三九 s oldest wine production, and the role it may have played in building communities In Athens she reveals Bacchus 三九 s pivotal role in a society where his ecstatic worship was embraced by all classes, and most importantly women On Cyprus she uncovers startling parallels between Bacchus and Christ Finally, Bettany follows the god 三九 s modern embrace in Nietzsche 三九 s philosophy, experimental theatre and the hedonistic hippie movement to conclude that, while this god of ecstasy is worthy of contemporary reconsideration, it is vital to heed the warning of the ancients - quot MEDEN AGAN quot - nothing in excess p