Early Modern Invention of Late Antique Rome

Nicola Denzey Lewis challenges the common understanding of late antique Christianity as dominated by the Cult of Saints, arguing that it did not occur in Rome until the early modern period. This was fostered by apologetic concerns and contemporary attitudes towards death, antiquity, and the survival of the Church against secularism.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 440 pages
\n Publication date: 03 September 2020
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
\n

In his groundbreaking work, "The Early Modern Invention of Late Antique Rome," Nicola Denzey Lewis challenges the prevailing notion that late antique Christianity was predominantly shaped by the Cult of Saints, as popularized by historian Peter Brown. This notion posits that a significant shift towards a physical veneration of the body, including corpses and bones, occurred in the 4th century CE, marking a new era of holiness. However, Denzey Lewis argues that while this corporeal turn was present in other regions of the late Roman Empire, it did not take place in Rome until the early modern period. This assumption, he suggests, was fostered by the apologetic concerns of early modern Catholic scholars and by contemporary attitudes towards death, antiquity, and the Church's survival in the face of secularism.

Denzey Lewis delves into the intricate world of Roman late antique Christianity, exploring the unique practices and beliefs that emerged during this crucial period of Christianization. He challenges the notion that late antique Christianity was merely a continuation of the ancient tradition and instead reveals it as a dynamic and evolving entity. Through his meticulous research and analysis, Denzey Lewis sheds light on the complex interplay between religious, social, and cultural factors that shaped the late antique Christian experience in Rome.

One of the key arguments put forth by Denzey Lewis is that the Cult of Saints in Rome was not a sudden or abrupt development but rather a gradual process that emerged over several centuries. He argues that the early Christian community in Rome initially focused on the veneration of martyrs and other holy figures, but gradually expanded to include a wider range of physical objects and practices. This expansion was influenced by a variety of factors, including the increasing importance of relics, the rise of monasticism, and the growing influence of the papacy.

Denzey Lewis also challenges the notion that the corporeal turn in late antique Christianity was solely driven by apologetic concerns. He argues that the physical veneration of the body was not just a means of defending the faith against secularism but was also deeply intertwined with broader cultural and social trends. For example, the increasing emphasis on the body as a site of sensory experience and the growing interest in ancient medical practices contributed to the development of a new sense of the body as sacred.

In addition to his analysis of the Cult of Saints, Denzey Lewis also explores the broader context of late antique Christianity in Rome. He examines the relationship between the Church and the state, the role of women in the religious community, and the impact of secularization on Christian practices. He also discusses the development of new religious movements, such as the Cathars and the Waldensians, and their impact on the religious landscape of late antique Rome.

Overall, "The Early Modern Invention of Late Antique Rome" is a seminal work that challenges our understanding of late antique Christianity and offers a fresh perspective on this crucial period of religious history. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Denzey Lewis provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of the practices, beliefs, and cultural context that shaped late antique Christianity in Rome. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of religion, the late Roman Empire, or the development of early modern Christianity.

\n Weight: 752g\n
Dimension: 161 x 234 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108471893\n \n