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
- Author
- Ramsay MacMullen
- Format
- paperback
- Pages
- 259
- Publisher
- Yale University Press (New Haven)
- Language
- english
- ISBN
- 9780300029840
- Genres
- history, religion, paganism, research, classics
- Release date
- 1983
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