L'Hadès céleste

This work investigates the concept of a Purgatory--a place in the afterlife where souls are purified--in the tradition of pagan thought. In doing so, it creates a dialogue with the thesis of Jacques Le Goff, according to whom the idea of Purgatory was invented in the middle of the 12th century, and it offers new perspectives. By situating this doctrine in the history of eschatology and of cosmology, from the 4th century BC to the 6th century AD, the author presents this concept as a major intersection of ancient thought.