Monastic Education in Late Antiquity: The Transformation of Classical Paideia

This volume challenges conventional ways of understanding the history of Christian monasticism and the history of education by exploring how teaching and practice merge classical pedagogical structures with Christian sources and traditions. It documents the degree to which monastic structures emerged in close alignment with urban, literate society and retain established affinity with classical rhetorical and philosophical school traditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 409 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In delving into the intricate process of Christianization within the Roman Empire and its profound impact on Graeco-Roman classical culture, this comprehensive volume sets out to challenge prevailing notions about both the history of Christian monasticism and the history of education. The chapters engage in a thoughtful exploration of assumptions that have traditionally viewed monastic practice as uniquely pedagogical, with limited precedents and/or parallels. They further investigate how teaching and practice intertwine classical pedagogical structures with Christian sources and traditions, shedding light on the ways in which these two realms converged. Additionally, the book re-positions monasticism within a broader context of educational and institutional frameworks, illuminating models that have played a crucial role in preserving both Greek and Latin literary culture and the essential skills of reading and writing. By meticulously examining archaeological evidence and engaging in a critical re-reading of key monastic texts, the book documents the remarkable degree to which monastic structures emerged in close alignment with urban, literate societies, while maintaining strong affinities with classical rhetorical and philosophical school traditions. This insightful exploration offers a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between religion, culture, and education during this transformative period, shedding light on the enduring legacies of Christianization and its profound impact on the development of Western civilization.

ISBN-13: 9781316646588