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 &#39losing oneself&#39 plays a vital role in the development of civilisation. 　　In this fascinating journey, Bettany begins in Georgia where she discovers evidence of the world&#39s oldest wine production, and the role it may have played in building communities. In Athens she reveals Bacchus&#39s 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&#39s modern embrace in Nietzsche&#39s 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 - &quotMEDEN AGAN&quot - nothing in excess.