The Extinction of Paganism and the Church Historian
Gerald Bonner
Any period of history which later ages deem to have been significant is apt gather itself a mythology. To the medieval Church first three Christian centuries appeared as continuous slaughter, in legions martyrs preferred perish rather than deny their faith Christ. With such an assumption it was inevitable that extinction paganism during years followed conversion Constantine should be seen pious work undertaken conformity with God's will – gesta Dei per Christianos and when Julian Apostate attempted turn back tide, he duly slain by two warrior saints sent for purpose from heaven legend had sufficient vitality eventually find its way into Ethiopic Miracles Virgin Mary , transformed gigantic artisan named Gôlyâd, who threatens destroy monastery martyred knight raised Our Lady end. On pagan side we well-known story how Serena, wife Stilicho favourite niece Theodosius Great, took necklace image Great Mother her own adornment mocked humiliated aged vestal virgin denounced her. At date, Alaric Goth threatened Rome, Serena suspected treachery strangled. historian Zosimus fate reward impiety, seemed fitting neck usurped goddess's ornament would at last encircled executioner's rope. The factual truth these stories not, our purposes, important. What matters witness they provide mythological or, if you prefer it, theological interpretations were early given victory Christianity.
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History