Religious culture in late antique Arabia

Book Description

This scholarly exploration invites readers into the rich spiritual landscape of the Arabian Peninsula and Eastern Mediterranean during Late Antiquity, a pivotal era that witnessed the emergence of Islam and profound religious transformation. Rather than examining isolated theological systems, Dmitriev presents a holistic view of how shared worldviews, cultural concepts, and social practices shaped the religious consciousness of this dynamic period.

The work illuminates the interconnected nature of spiritual traditions across the Late Antique Near East, revealing how religious ideas flowed between communities and influenced political and social structures. Readers will discover insights into ritual practices, theological developments, and the spiritual dimensions of early Arabic poetry that reflect the era's complex religious atmosphere.

The volume examines how religious conversions impacted settlement patterns and social dynamics among Arab communities within the Roman and Sasanian Empires, as well as the early Caliphate. Special attention is given to South Arabian religious history, providing a comprehensive regional perspective on spiritual development.

For those interested in understanding how major spiritual movements emerge and evolve, this work offers valuable perspectives on the cultural and religious foundations that preceded and influenced the birth of Islam. The book serves as both an academic resource and an invitation to explore the interconnected spiritual heritage of the ancient Near East, demonstrating how religious traditions develop within broader cultural contexts rather than in isolation.