num_pages: 259
description: “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; &amp; an impressive, authoritative, &amp; up-to-date documentation, especially rich in primary sources. A stimulating &amp; 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 &amp; clearly than ever before.”-—Fergus Millar, American Historical Review “The major cults…are examined from a social &amp; cultural perspective &amp; 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 SupplementIllustrationsPreface1 PerceptibleFinding order in chaos Attracting crowdsDisplays &amp; accommodations at temples Routine staff &amp; administration2 Debatable Needs &amp; answers The vitality of paganism How the divine world was envisioned ConversionThe dynamic cults Epilogue: The Manner of Death of Paganism AbbreviationsNotesBibliography of Secondary Works CitedIndexRamsay MacMullen is Dunham Professor of History &amp; Classics at Yale Univ. &amp; the author of Roman Government’s Response to Crisis, AD 235-337 &amp; Roman Social Relations, 50 BC to AD 284
language: English
title: Paganism in the Roman Empire
titlecomplete: Paganism in the Roman Empire
genres: Classics, History, Paganism, Religion, Ancient History, Nonfiction
ratings_count: 53
publisher: Yale University Press (New Haven)