Pagans, Christians, Barbarians: The World of Late Antiquity

    

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        Between classical and medieval, pagan and Christian, Roman and barbarian, the late antique world was a civilization in transition.  This course will focus on the Mediterranean region from the end of the second to the beginning of the seventh century.  We will examine political, cultural, religious and socio-economic transitions that characterized this period looking at elements of continuity as well as change.  We will consider the significance of such factors as the conversion of Constantine, the rise of Constantinople, Christian responses to culture, the monastic movement, the persistence of paganism, the fall of Rome, barbarian invasions, Christianization, and developments in philosophy, theology and education.