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Paganism in the Roman Empire

“MacMullen... has published several books in recent years which establish him, rightfully, as a leading social historian of the Roman Empire. The current volume exhibits many of the characteristics of its predecessors: the presentation of novel, revisionist points of view; discrete set pieces of trenchant argument which do not necessarily conform to the boundaries of traditional history; & an impressive, authoritative, & up-to-date documentation, especially rich in primary sources. A stimulating & provocative discourse on Roman paganism as a phenomenon worthy of synthetic investigation in its own right * as the fundamental context for the rise of Christianity.” — -Richard Brilliant, History

“MacMullen’s latest work represents many features of paganism in its social context more vividly & clearly than ever before.”- — Fergus Millar, American Historical Review

“The major cults... are examined from a social & cultural perspective & with the aid of many recently published specialized studies. Students of the Roman Empire... should read this book.” — Robert J, Penella, Classical World

“A distinguished book with much exact observation. An indispensable mine of erudition on a grand theme.” — Henry Chadwick, Times Literary Supplement

Illustrations

Preface

1 Perceptible

Finding order in chaos

Attracting crowds

Displays & accommodations at temples

Routine staff & administration

2 Debatable

Needs & answers

The vitality of paganism

How the divine world was envisioned

Conversion

The dynamic cults

Epilogue: The Manner of Death of Paganism

Abbreviations

Notes

Bibliography of Secondary Works Cited

Index

Ramsay MacMullen is Dunham Professor of History & Classics at Yale Univ. & the author of Roman Government’s Response to Crisis, AD 235-337 & Roman Social Relations, 50 BC to AD 284

  • Format
  • paperback
  • Pages
  • 259
  • Language
  • english
  • ISBN
  • 9780300029840
  • Genres
  • history, religion, paganism, research, classics
  • Release date
  • 1983