Power and Persuasion in Late Antiquity: Towards a Christian Empire.
Christopher Haas|Peter Brown
Peter Brown, a known authority on Mediterranean civilisation in late antiquity, traces the growing power of early bishops as they wrested influence from philosophers who had traditionally advised rulers Graeco-Roman society. In new Christian empire, ancient bonds citizen to and each city its benefactors were replaced by common loyalty distant, autocrat. This transformation Roman Empire an medieval society, Brown argues, is among most far-reaching consequences rise Christianity. last centuries Empire, emperors depended collaboration with local elites. The shared ideals culture (paideia), which inculcated elite their education, acted unwritten constitution. representives this cultural tradition critics advisors powerful, upheld just rule prevented abuses power. Between conversion Emperor Constantine Christianity 312 reign Theodosius (379-395), however, both uneducated monks emerged competitors traditional educated Claiming Christians be true philosophers, asserted own role swaying mercy rule. shows how charity urban poor gave such Saint Ambrose novel base - restless lower classes empire. lines that led society imperial court increasingly fell into hands church, clerics exercised ensure peace cities, secure amnesties, convey emperor wishes his subjects. also points out churchmen expressed through violence against rivals: Jewish synagogues Temples destroyed, Hypatia, one few women public philosopher, was lynched Alexandria. demonstrates teaching provided model for more autocratic, hierarchial empire: democracy citizenship way image glorious ruler showing lowly grateful Drawing upon wealth material newly discovered letters sermons Augustine, archaeological evidence, manuscripts Coptic Syriac he provides portrait turbulent fascinating era.
The American Historical Review