From Greek apokalypsis, meaning "revelation" or "unveiling"; a class of literature popular in the centuries-long era following the sixth-century-BC Jewish exile to Babylon. Examples include the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation and such non-biblical books as The Apocalypse of Paul, The Apocalypse of Peter, and Shepherd of Hermas. Apocalyptic literature typically includes (1) the revealing of a mystery beyond normal human knowledge; (2) a dream or vision; (3) angelic beings; (4) prophecies of future events; (5) fantastic imagery, usually involving fearsome animals; and (6) symbolic use of names or numbers. See also canon.