A Companion to Religion in Late Antiquity / Edition 1

by Josef Lössl, Nicholas J. Baker-Brian

Overview

A comprehensive review of the development, geographic spread, and cultural influence of religion in Late Antiquity

A Companion to Religion in Late Antiquity offers an authoritative and comprehensive survey of religion in Late Antiquity. This historical era spanned from the second century to the eighth century of the Common Era. With contributions from leading scholars in the field, the Companion explores the evolution and development of religion and the role various religions played in the cultural, political, and social transformations of the late antique period.

The authors examine the theories and methods used in the study of religion during this period, consider the most notable historical developments, and reveal how religions spread geographically. The authors also review the major religious traditions that emerged in Late Antiquity and include reflections on the interaction of these religions within their particular societies and cultures. This important Companion:

• Brings together in one volume the work of a notable team of international scholars
• Explores the principal geographical divisions of the late antique world
• Offers a deep examination of the predominant religions of Late Antiquity
• Examines established views in the scholarly assessment of the religions of Late Antiquity
• Includes information on the current trends in late-antique scholarship on religion

Written for scholars and students of religion, A Companion to Religion in Late Antiquity offers a comprehensive survey of religion and the influence religion played in the culture, politics, and social change during the late antique period. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781118968109
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	05/22/2018
Series:	Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World
Pages:	720
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 9.80(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Josef Lössl is Professor of Religious Studies and Theology (Early Christianity, Patristics and Late Antiquity) at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff University, and Director of the Cardiff University Centre for Late Antique Religion and Culture.

Nicholas Baker-Brian is Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Early Christian Studies at Cardiff University (Wales, U.K.). 

Read an Excerpt

Click to read or download

Table of Contents

List of Figures ix

List of Maps xi

List of Tables xiii

Notes on Contributors xv

Acknowledgments xxi

List of Sources xxiii

List of Abbreviations xlvii

Introduction Nicholas J. Baker-Brian Josef Lössl 1

1 Religion in Late Antiquity-Late Antiquity in Religion Thomas E. Hunt 9

Part I Historical and Geographical Approaches 31

2 Religion in the Hellenistic and Early Post-Hellenistic Era Josef Lössl 33

3 Christianity and Paganism in the Roman Empire, 250-450 CE Mark Humphries 61

4 The Latin West in the Period of Transition from "the Late Roman Empire" to "Early Medieval Europe": Consolidation and Innovation Tom O'Loughlin 81

5 The Celtic and Germanic West and North Bernhard Maier 99

6 The "Greek East": Christianization and the Provincial Elites Dirk Krausmüller 115

7 Caucasia: Albania, Armenia, and Georgia Nikoloz Aleksidze 135

8 The Rise of Monotheism in Arabia Holder Zellentin 157

9 Along the Nile: From Alexandria to Aksum Paul Dilley 181

10 Across the Indian Ocean: Reconsidering Christianity in South Asia to the Ninth Century James M. Hegarty 207

11 Along the Silk Road: From Aleppo to Chang'an Max Deeg 233

Part II Traditions and Identities 255

12 The Beginnings of Jewish Late Antiquity: The Fate of the Book of Esther Hector M. Patmore 257

13 Christianity Augustine Casiday 277

14 Varieties of Christian Gnosis Timothy Pettipiece 297

15 A New Religion? The Emergence of Manichaeism in Late Antiquity Nicholas J. Baker-Brian 319

16 Paleo-lslam: Transfigurations of Late Antique Religion Aziz Al-Azmeh 345

17 Hermetism Claudio Moreschini 369

18 The "Pagans" of Late Antiquity Jan R. Stenger 391

19 Ancient Philosophy Transformed: The Religious Turn in Philosophy Daniel King 411

20 Astrology and Religion in Late Antiquity Hannah Mace 433

Part III Themes and Discussions 453

21 Life and Death in Late Antiquity: Religious Rituals and Popular Culture Lucy Grig 455

22 Religion and the Body: Asceticism Hannah Hunt 475

23 Demons and Demonologies Sophie Lunn-Rockliffe 493

24 Religion, Medicine, and Health Heidi Marx 511

25 Religion, Warfare, and Demography Mischa Meier 529

26 The Scriptural Galaxy of Late Antiquity Guy G. Stroumsa 553

27 Proscription of Sacred Texts in Late Antiquity Mar Marcos 571

28 Religious Expression in Art and Architecture Emma Loosley 591

29 Religious Expression in Music and Dance Clemens Leonhard 611

Index 635