Religion and authority in Roman Carthage from Augustus to Constantine
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into the fascinating transformation of religious authority across three centuries of Roman imperial history, using the vibrant city of Carthage as its primary lens. J. B. Rives presents a compelling analysis of how traditional religious structures, originally designed for city-states, struggled to adapt to the vast scale of imperial governance.
The book reveals a pivotal shift in how religious identity was formed and maintained during this transformative period. Rather than maintaining tight control over spiritual practices as the Roman Republic had done, the imperial government adopted a more hands-off approach, allowing individuals greater freedom to shape their own religious paths and communities.
Through careful examination of Carthage, the western empire's most significant urban center, Rives traces how this religious flexibility ultimately created space for new forms of spiritual expression and organization. The study illuminates how Christianity emerged not merely as another religious option, but as a revolutionary model that would fundamentally reshape the relationship between spiritual authority and political power.
For readers interested in understanding how religious movements gain influence and transform societies, this work offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between personal spiritual choice and institutional authority. The book demonstrates how periods of religious transition can create unexpected opportunities for spiritual innovation and growth, even within established political systems.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Comparative Religion
📄 Length: 334 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Histoire
- ✓ Explore Religion et État
- ✓ Explore Rome
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Église et État
- ✓ Explore Church and state, history
- ✓ Explore Histoire religieuse
- ✓ Explore Kerk en staat
