Shamans, Sorcerers, and Saints offers a broad and uniquely archaeological perspective on the evolution of religious behavior from prehistoric times to the present. Hayden makes a distinction between traditional religions (those passed on orally or experientially) and more modern "book" religions (those based on a scripture and a moral code, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). He goes on to explore the uniquely human emotional foundation and ecological factors that shaped their evolution, showing how our innate ability to enter into sacred ecstatic states using a variety of techniques is especially important to understanding our religious heritage. These techniques include fasting, rhythmic breathing, sex, meditation, and many others. Hayden looks at the development of religious behavior and experience among early hunters and gatherers and clearly explains the key concepts of shamanism and ecstatic ritual states. He covers the controversial claims for Neanderthal rituals and looks closely at the first good evidence for secret societies, fertility cults, and ancestor cults in the Paleolithic. He presents the reasons for construction of megaliths such as Stonehenge and elsewhere. He examines the role of religion in the development of early states and the relationship of Christianity to earlier mystery cults and Judaism at the time of the Roman empire. He writes about the mysterious practices of the Druids and reveals the traditional religious basis of European fairy tales. Hayden looks at the archaeological record to understand not only the general development of religion or to answer such historical questions as why Santa Claus comes down the chimney but, more significantly, why religion developed at all and how it continues to evolve today. - Dust jacket.