Religious Violence in the Ancient World: From Classical Athens to Late Antiquity

Religious violence was common in Late Antiquity, but recent studies show that the sources disguise a more intricate reality. This book is the first to bring together scholars with expertise ranging from classical Athens to Late Antiquity to examine the phenomenon in all its complexity and diversity throughout Antiquity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 446 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Late Antiquity, spanning the fourth to seventh centuries CE, is often portrayed as a time characterized by widespread religious violence, particularly due to the abundance of literary accounts depicting Christians attacking temples, statues, and pagans. However, a fresh perspective emerges from the field of Religious Studies, which suggests that the Late Antique sources conceal a more intricate reality. This volume, drawing upon the latest cutting-edge scholarship on religious violence in Late Antiquity, aims to offer nuanced judgments about the nature of this violence. At the same time, it is important to recognize that the phenomenon of religious violence was not exclusive to Late Antiquity but was also prevalent in the earlier Graeco-Roman world. This book, therefore, stands as a groundbreaking effort, bringing together scholars with expertise spanning from classical Athens to Late Antiquity to explore the multifaceted phenomenon of religious violence across the entirety of Antiquity.

The portrayal of Late Antiquity as a period characterized by religious violence is not without its challenges. The literary sources, filled with tales of Christians attacking temples, statues, and pagans, contribute to this perception. However, a deeper analysis reveals a more complex reality. Recent studies in Religious Studies have shed light on the ways in which the Late Antique sources may obscure the true nature of religious violence. These studies have demonstrated that the violence was not always as straightforward as it is often portrayed, and that various factors, including political, social, and cultural dynamics, played a role in its occurrence.

One of the key insights from these studies is that religious violence in Late Antiquity was not limited to one particular group or religion. Rather, it was a phenomenon that cut across different religious communities and was influenced by a range of factors, including political power, social tensions, and cultural differences. For example, the Christian persecution of pagans in the Roman Empire was not solely driven by religious hatred but also by political considerations and the desire to consolidate power. Similarly, the Muslim conquests of the Middle East were not solely motivated by religious beliefs but also by economic and political ambitions.

Another important aspect of these studies is the recognition of the diversity of religious practices and beliefs in Late Antiquity. The Roman Empire, for instance, was a multicultural society that encompassed a wide range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and paganism. These different religious communities often coexisted peacefully, and their interactions were marked by mutual respect and tolerance. However, there were also instances of religious conflict and violence, particularly in the late fourth and early seventh centuries CE, when the empire faced significant challenges from external threats and internal divisions.

In conclusion, the study of religious violence in Late Antiquity requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach. The literary sources, while valuable, should be interpreted in the context of the broader social, political, and cultural dynamics of the time. By employing insights from Religious Studies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and diversity of religious violence in Late Antiquity and its impact on the world. This knowledge can help us to better appreciate the complexities of the past and to navigate the challenges of religious conflict in the present and future.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108816557
Edition number: New ed