MANICHAEN TEXTS FROM THE ROMAN EMPIRE; ED. BY IAIN GARDNER
Book Description
This scholarly collection opens a window into one of history's most fascinating and misunderstood spiritual movements. Manichaeism, founded by the Syrian visionary Mani in third-century Mesopotamia, offered a unique religious perspective that spread rapidly across the Roman Empire before facing intense persecution under Christian emperors.
Editor Iain Gardner presents the first comprehensive single-volume anthology of authentic Manichaean writings, drawing from recently discovered texts that have remained largely inaccessible to English-speaking audiences. These translations from Greek, Latin, and Coptic sources include remarkable finds from Egyptian sites and the autobiographical Cologne Mani-Codex, which provides intimate insights into the founder's own spiritual journey.
For readers exploring alternative spiritual traditions and the rich tapestry of ancient religious thought, this collection reveals how Manichaean communities established themselves throughout Syria, Egypt, North Africa, and Rome. The religion's influence extended to notable figures like Augustine of Hippo, who embraced Manichaean teachings before his later conversion to Christianity.
These primary source materials offer modern seekers a rare opportunity to encounter an ancient spiritual system through its own voice rather than through the accounts of its opponents. The collection illuminates how diverse religious movements navigated persecution while maintaining their distinctive spiritual vision across the vast expanse of the Roman world.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 312 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Bronnen (vorm)
- ✓ Explore Dualismo (religião)
- ✓ Explore 11.51 early Christianity
- ✓ Explore Manichaeism
- ✓ Explore Heresia
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Religião
- ✓ Explore Seitas religiosas
