The History Book Club discussion
ROMAN EMPIRE -THE HISTORY...
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THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE - GLOSSARY
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http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook....
The Internet Medieval Sourcebook is located at the
Fordham University Center for Medieval Studies.
Probably the best single site for primary sources in translation; a staggeringly large assortment. Be sure to check out separate sections for Ancient History, Jewish History, Byzantine Studies, Women’s History, etc. In addition to primary texts, also includes helpful essays on critical techniques, methodology, research tools. Spend a good few hours exploring this one! Many of the other sites listed below also cover Christian material well, but this one (esp. the Ancient section) is probably the best place to find pagan and/or secular stuff from the late Roman period. - SOURCE: MAXWELL
http://www.fordham.edu/mvst/
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http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/
Excellent general site for Classics/Ancient History (though not quite as good for late antique/early Christian). Translated texts of Greek and Latin authors. Huge library of images: art, buildings, archaeological site plans, coins, etc. - SOURCE: MAXWELL
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http://www.ccel.org/fathers.html
All 38 volumes of the massive Ante-Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers series. Translations from Christian authors from the first to the sixth centuries, both Latin and Greek. NB: Almost all of the online texts assigned on the syllabus can be found here. Texts arranged preserving the order of the original print volumes. Footnotes hyperlinked; much easier to navigate and to find particular sections within a large text. Particular texts may be read online or downloaded as .txt, .zip or .pdf files. Alternate location: same texts, arranged alphabetically. SOURCE FOR WRITE-UP - MAXWELL
NEW ADVENT SITE - SAME INFO
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/
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http://www.voskrese.info/spl/index.html
"Many early Christian, Byzantine and Greek Orthodox texts; an especially good selection of saints’ lives. Thoughtfully provides warning labels on texts considered "heretical." SOURCE FOR WRITE-UP - MAXWELL
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Documents to Aid Students and Scholars in Biblical Interpretation including Introductions and Summaries of Many Noncanonical Works
http://wesley.nnu.edu/biblical_studie...
WESLEY CENTER ON LINE
Apocryphal texts, both Old and New Testament; Nag Hammadi/Gnostic texts; some church fathers.
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http://www.gnosis.org/library.html
A bit New-Agey, but a good source for original Gnostic, Nag Hammadi, Apocrypha, Manichaean texts. - SOURCE FOR WRITE-UP: MAXWELL
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http://www.stoa.org/diotima/
Best place to look for materials relating to women and gender in the ancient world. Primary sources, images, course syllabi, bibliographies, links. - SOURCE FOR WRITE-UP: MAXWELL
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http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/papyrus/
See what papyri documents actually look like, scanned in hi-res. Thousands of them archived, and searchable by period, genre, language, etc; much bibliography. Unfortunately, few translations available online - SOURCE FOR WRITE-UP: MAXWELL
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The Patrologia Latina Database contains the complete Patrologia Latina, including all prefatory material, original texts, critical apparatus and indexes. Migne's column numbers, essential references for scholars, are also included.
http://pld.chadwyck.com/
For those who read Latin. A massive 200-vol collection of just about every word written in Latin by Christians up until about 1200. Now online with amazing word-search capabilities. Free access from anywhere on SU network. SOURCE FOR WRITE-UP: MAXWELL
Jacques-Paul Migne
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Mathematician, Astronomer, and Philosopher (d. 415 C.E.)
Hypatia was a mathematician, astronomer, and Platonic philosopher. According to the Byzantine encyclopedia The Suda, her father Theon was the last head of the Museum at Alexandria.
Hypatia's prominence was accentuated by the fact that she was both female and pagan in an increasingly Christian environment. Shortly before her death, Cyril was made the Christian bishop of Alexandria, and a conflict arose between Cyril and the prefect Orestes. Orestes was disliked by some Christians and was a friend of Hypatia, and rumors started that Hypatia was to blame for the conflict. In the spring of 415 C.E., the situation reached a tragic conclusion when a band of Christian monks seized Hypatia on the street, beat her, and dragged her body to a church where they mutilated her flesh with sharp tiles and burned her remains.
Her works include:
A Commentary on the Arithmetica of Diophantus
A Commentary on the Conics of Apollonious
She edited the third book of her father's Commentary on the Almagest of Ptolemy
http://cosmopolis.com/people/hypatia....
Site devoted to the famous female philosopher murdered by a Christian mob in 415 AD. A lot of garbage has been written about her in modern times, but here you can see what the ancient sources actually say. Note: the website fails to give the dates of the three sources it translates. Socrates is fifth century, more or less contemporary with Hypatia. John of Nikiu is seventh century, and the Suda was composed c.1000 AD but claims to quote or summarize the words of Damascius, who lived c.500. Watch how the story changes over time. SOURCE OF WRITE-UP: MAXWELL
Hypatia's writings not found on goodreads
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by
St. John Damascene (?)
("St. John of Damascus")
c. 676 - 749 A.D.
Online Medieval and Classical Library Release #20
http://omacl.org/Barlaam/
Watch Christianization and syncretism in action in this unique eighth-century (?) text: the story of the Buddha, retold as the life of a Christian saint.
SOURCE OF WRITE-UP: MAXWELL
John of Damascus
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http://omacl.org/genre.html
THE ON LINE MEDIEVAL AND CLASSICAL LIBRARY
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Terms:
Pagan, from Latin paganus, "country-dweller" with pejorative connotations, like "hick" or "redneck." Term used by Christians to describe practitioners of traditional polytheist religion.
Pax Deorum, "Peace of the Gods." Idea that the gods will guarantee peace and prosperity to Rome only if they are properly worshipped.
Martyr, from Greek martus, martyria. One who "bears witness." As used by Christians, "one who dies for the faith."
Priest, from presbyter, "elder."
Bishop, from episkopos, "overseer."
Orthodoxy, from orthos "straight" + doxa "teaching."
Heresy, from hairesis, "point of view" or "opinion."
Gnostics, from gnosis, "knowledge" or "enlightenment." Catch-all term for a variety of early Christian "heretical" beliefs.
Manichaeans, followers of Mani, 3rd century Mesopotamian prophet. Preached a world divided between Good and Evil forces.
Chronology:
4BC: probable birth of Jesus.
23-36 AD: Pontius Pilate governor of Judaea.
Early 30s AD: ministry and death of Jesus.
30s AD: Apostles begin preaching. Conversion of Paul.
c.40-60 AD: Paul’s Letters.
64 AD: Nero persecutes Christians in Rome; Peter and Paul killed.
66-70 AD: Jewish War and destruction of Jerusalem.
c.70-100 AD: Composition of Gospels.
c.95 AD: Persecution under emperor Domitian, possibly the inspiration for the Antichrist in Book of Revelation.
112: Roman governor Pliny writes to emperor Trajan asking what to do with suspected Christians.
c.190-212: Career of Tertullian, in Roman North Africa. Wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom, Apology, and numerous other texts. First significant Christian author to write in Latin.
203: Perpetua martyred in Carthage.
235-284: Third-Century Crisis. Rome in political and military chaos.
249-251: Emperor Decius begins first systematic and empire-wide persecution of Christians.
257-260: Persecution under Valerian.
260-303: The "Peace of the Church." Christian numbers expand.
c.300: Eusebius of Caesarea composes first History of the Church.
303-305: The "Great Persecution" under Diocletian. Persecution continues in parts of empire until 312.
312: Constantine comes to power in western half of empire. Constantine’s "vision" and conversion.
Origen
Tertullian
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http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0324...
ANOTHER SOURCE FOR THE ABOVE:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontli...
ANOTHER SOURCE: CHRISTIAN CLASSICS
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf03...
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Terms:
Tetrarchy: "Rule of Four." Imperial system set up by Diocletian. Empire is divided between two senior emperors, called Augustus (pl. Augusti) and two junior emperors, called Caesars.
Felix Tempora Reparatio, "Happy Days are Here Again!": slogan on Diocletian’s coins.
Martyr: from Greek martus, martyria. One who "bears witness." As used by Christians, "one who dies for the faith."
Confessor: a Christian who suffers persecution (imprisonment or torture) but survives.
Lapsi, "Lapsed": Christians who sacrificed to the gods or denied Christ during the Persecution.
Traditor, "traitor": name applied to Christians who collaborated with the pagan authorities by handing over (tradere) their Scriptures to be burned.
Chronology:
180-192: Reign of Commodus.
192-193: Civil war following assassination of Commodus.
193-235: Dynasty of Septimius Severus and family.
211-217: Caracalla emperor.
212: Caracalla decrees universal citizenship for all free inhabitants of the empire.
224: New Sasanian dynasty founded in Persia (Iran) aggressively threatens Rome in the Middle East.
235: Emperor Alexander Severus assassinated. Chaos and civil war.
235-238: Maximinus Thrax, former wrestler, emperor.
235-284: the Third-Century Crisis. Civil war, assassination, barbarian invasion. Too many emperors to count! (Details can be found on De Imperatoribus Romanis website.)
250-251 Emperor Decius persecutes Christians.
257-260: Persecution by emperor Valerian.
260: Valerian defeated in battle and captured by King Shapur I of Persia. Roman empire nearly comes apart.
258-274: Postumus sets up separatist regime in Roman Gaul.
260-272: Queen Zenobia of Palmyra sets up separatist regime in Roman Syria.
270-275: Emperor Aurelian defeats separatists and reunites empire.
260-303: The "Peace of the Church." In over 40 years without persecution, Christian numbers expand..
c.300: Eusebius of Caesarea composes the first History of the Church. He later revises the work to cover the Persecution and the conversion of Constantine.
284: Accession of Diocletian, who sets up Tetrarchy. Diocletian and Maximian are senior emperors (Augusti). Galerius and Constantius are junior emperors (Caesars.)
303-305: Diocletian and colleagues begin persecution of Christians. Thousands killed.
304: Martyrdom of Maxima, Donatilla and Secunda in North Africa.
305: Diocletian retires. Civil war breaks out as other Tetrarchs scramble for power.
306: Death of Constantius; his son Constantine proclaims himself Augustus.
311: Gruesome death of Galerius, seen by Christians as proof of God’s justice.
312: Renewed persecution by Maximinus Daia.
312: Constantine’s "vision" and conversion.
313: Constantine’s Edict of Milan ends persecution and legalizes Christianity.
314-315: Lactantius writes On the Deaths of the Persecutors.
Source: Syracuse University
http://faculty.maxwell.syr.edu/gaddis...
NPNF2-01. Eusebius Pamphilius: Church History, Life of Constantine, Oration in Praise of Constantine - The First History of the Church
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf2...
Eusebius of Caesarea composes the first History of the Church. He later revises the work to cover the Persecution and the conversion of Constantine.
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Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf07...
Another Source for the above:
New Advent - http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0705...
Lactantius
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Terms:
Canons: Legislation issued by the church to govern behavior of clergy and their congregations.
Ecumenical Council: Assembly of bishops supposedly representing the whole world (Gk. oikoumene) empowered to make final decisions for the church on matters of faith and practice.
Chronology:
272 or 273: Constantine born in Naissus (modern Serbia).
293-306: Constantius Chlorus, Constantine’s father, reigns as Caesar in far west.
303: Outbreak of Great Persecution. In North Africa, the authorities demand that Christian clergy "hand over" (tradere) their scriptures to be burned; those who do are vilified as traditores, "traitors." This is the impetus for the Donatist schism.
305: Retirement of Diocletian leads to conflict between remaining Tetrarchs.
306: Death of Constantius. Constantine acclaimed "Augustus" by troops in York. Constantine rules Britain, Gaul, Spain.
311: Caecilian elected bishop of Carthage; his election challenged by rigorists who accuse him of "treason" during the Persecution. Opposition is led by Donatus of Casa Nigra, who advocates rebaptizing clergy who had lapsed during persecution – thus they come to be called Donatists.
312: Constantine’s "vision" and battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine defeats Maxentius outside Rome. Western half of empire under his rule.
313: Constantine and eastern ally Licinius issue "Edict of Milan" granting tolerance to Christians and all other religions.
313: Constantine involves himself in the Donatist controversy, accepting Caecilian and the Catholic party as the "legitimate" church in North Africa.
314 or 315: Lactantius writes On the Deaths of the Persecutors.
c.318: Outbreak of Arian controversy in east.
c.320-321: Constantine threatens to persecute Donatists, but backs down when they declare themselves ready for martyrdom.
324: Constantine goes to war with Licinius and defeats him. Eastern half of empire now under his rule.
324: Eusebius rewrites his Church History to remove favorable references to Licinius.
325: First Ecumenical ("world-wide") Council of Christian bishops held at Nicaea.
326: Constantine executes wife Fausta and son Crispus.
326-327: Empress Helena, Constantine’s mother, tours Holy Land and Jerusalem. According to legend, she uncovers site of Christ’s crucifixion and burial (the Holy Sepulcher) and discovers the True Cross.
330: Constantine founds new capital of Constantinople or "New Rome" on site of ancient city of Byzantium.
335: Church of Holy Sepulcher dedicated in Jerusalem.
337: After a last-minute baptism, Constantine dies.
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Terms:
Hellene, Hellenic: originally meant "Greek" but by fourth century means "worshipper of the Greek Gods" i.e. pagan. Thus Julian champions "the Hellenic religion."
Galilaeans: What Julian calls Christians; intended to be derogatory.
Chronology:
c.331: Julian born. He is the son of Constantine’s half-brother, and is raised as a Christian.
337: Constantine dies. Constantine’s three sons murder several rivals (including Julian’s father) and divide empire.
340: Constantine II killed fighting Constans.
342-348: Julian and his brother exiled to estate in Asia Minor; tutored by Christian bishops.
350: Constans, ruling in west, murdered by usurper Magnentius.
351: Constantius II, who rules in east, appoints Julian’s brother Gallus as Caesar. Julian begins studying Neoplatonist philosophy and is attracted to paganism.
353: Constantius marches west and defeats Magnentius.
354: Gallus charged with treason and executed.
355: Julian studies philosophy at Athens, while still publicly espousing Christianity. Meets Gregory Nazianzus, famous Christian theologian.
356: Constantius promotes Julian to Caesar, and charges him to defend Gaul against Germanic invaders, while Constantius fights the Persians in Syria.
360: Constantius orders Julian to transfer most of his soldiers to the east; soldiers mutiny and proclaim Julian Augustus.
Summer 361: Julian marches west along Danube to attack Constantius.
November 361: Constantius dies of illness while marching to meet Julian; his officers decide to accept Julian as emperor, thus avoiding civil war.
December 361: Julian enters Constantinople, gives Christian funeral for Constantius. This is last Christian service Julian attends. Shortly after, he publicly reveals his paganism.
362: Clashes with Christians. Julian issues controversial Edict against Christian Teachers.
Summer 362: Julian moves his court to Antioch in Syria, preparing to invade Persia.
Early 363: Julian does not get along well with Antiochenes. They mock his beard; he answers with the satire Misopogon ("Beard-Hater.") Clashes with Christians over bones of martyr Babylas. Julian suspects Christians of burning Temple of Apollo.
363: Julian plans to rebuild Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, hoping to disprove Jesus’ prophecy that "not one stone shall be left standing on another." (Matt. 24:2)
June 363: With his army deep inside Persia, Julian wounded in battle by persons unknown; dies shortly after. Christian officer Jovian proclaimed emperor; Roman army makes humiliating peace with Persia in order to withdraw safely. Rome is forced to surrender the border city of Nisibis. Christian poet Ephrem, who lived in that city, complains bitterly of this in his Hymns against Julian.
390: Ammianus Marcellinus finishes his History, during reign of Christian emperor Theodosius I.
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Source: Syracuse University
These [are:] the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. (Deuteronomy 12:1-3)
If anyone smashes idols and is killed for it, he shall not be venerated among the martyrs. (Canons of the Council of Elvira, c.305)
Terms:
Pagan, from Latin paganus, "country-dweller" with pejorative connotations, like "hick" or "redneck." Term used by Christians to describe practitioners of traditional polytheist religion.
Martyr, from Greek martus, martyria. One who "bears witness." As used by Christians, "one who dies for the faith." In the fourth century, some Christian extremists make suicidal attacks on pagan temples and claim the title of "martyr."
Chronology:
303-305: Last major persecution of Christians by pagans.
c.305: Council of Elvira attempts to discourage Christians from making suicide attacks on pagan temples.
312-337: Constantine’s reign as a Christian. He strips wealth from the temples and suppresses a few cults.
c.335: Jewish official Josephus converts to Christianity. His story (in the reader) is told by Christian author Epiphanius, writing in the 370s.
341: Legal ban on pagan sacrifice issued by Constantine’s sons. Similar legislation in 353-354 closes temples. Many temples abandoned or reused for other purposes.
361-363: Brief pagan revival under Julian leads to pagan-Christian violence.
364-375: Reign of Christian Emperor Valentinian in west.
375-383: Emperor Gratian rules in west.
382: On the advice of bishop Ambrose of Milan, and against the protests of the pagan orator Symmachus, Gratian orders removal of Altar of Victory from the Roman Senate.
379-395: Reign of Christian Emperor Theodosius I.
386: Bishop Marcellus of Apamea destroys that city’s temples.
386: Pagan orator Libanius of Antioch writes to emperor complaining about gangs of monks who roam the countryside destroying temples.
388: The bishop of Callinicum (Syria) incites a riot and burns a synagogue. When the governor orders him to make restitution to the Jews, Ambrose confronts the emperor on the bishop’s behalf (Ambrose, Letter 40).
391: Pagan-Christian violence in Alexandria. Armed pagans take hostages, seize the great Temple of Serapis (Serapeum). Theodosius orders the Serapeum destroyed.
391: All pagan worship outlawed by imperial edict.
394: Theodosius defeats a rebel, Eugenius, at the battle of the River Frigidus. Eugenius was thought to be sympathetic to paganism, and Christians see the hand of God in his defeat.
Early Fifth Century: more legislation. Temples to be demolished or converted to other uses; pagans and Jews barred from government jobs.
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St. Ambrose begs Theodosius to listen to him, as he cannot be silent without great risk to both. He points out that Theodosius though God-fearing may be led astray, and points out that his decision respecting the restoration of the Jewish synagogue is full of peril, exposing the bishop to the danger of either acting against the truth or of death. The case of Julian is referred to, and the reasons given for the imperial rescript are met, especially by the plea that the Jews had burnt many churches. St. Ambrose touches on the temple of the Valentinians, whom he declares to be worse than heathen, and points out what a door would be opened to the calumnies of the Jews and a triumph over Christ Himself. The Emperor is lastly warned by the example of Maximus not to take the part of Jews or heretics, and is urged to clemency.
Source: New Advent
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3409...
Another site for: NPNF2-10. Ambrose: Selected Works and Letters
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf2...
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St. Ambrose in this letter to his sister continues the account of the matters contained in his letter to Theodosius, and of a sermon which he subsequently delivered before the Emperor, with the result that the Emperor, when St. Ambrose refused to offer the Sacrifice before receiving a promise that the objectionable order should be revoked, yielded.
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3409...
Another Source for the above:
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf2...
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HANDOUT - SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15)
"Throughout the city everything is taken up by theological discussion: the alleyways, the marketplaces, the broad avenues and city streets; the hawkers of clothing, the moneychangers, foodsellers. If you ask for change, they philosophize about the Begotten and the Unbegotten. If you ask the price of bread, you are told, ‘The Father is greater and the Son inferior.’ If you ask, is the bath ready yet? They say ‘The Son was created from nothing.’" (Gregory of Nyssa, Constantinople 381)
Terms:
Orthodoxy, from orthos "straight" + doxa "teaching."
Heresy, from hairesis, "point of view" or "opinion."
Gnostics, from gnosis, "knowledge" or "enlightenment." Catch-all term for a variety of early Christian "heretical" beliefs.
Manichaeans, followers of Mani, 3rd century Mesopotamian prophet. Preached a world divided between Good and Evil forces.
North Africa, fourth and early fifth centuries:
Donatists, who believe that those who lapsed during the Persecution can never be forgiven. They refuse communion with those whom they see as corrupt.
Catholics (from katholikos, "universal") who emphasize the unity of the church above all else. They attempt to force Donatists back into communion. Augustine (356-429) is one of the leaders on the Catholic side.
Fourth Century: Controversy over the Trinity
Nicenes, followers of the creed established at the Council of Nicaea, 325. They emphasize the equality among the persons of the Trinity. Christ is just as much God as is God the Father, and they are of the same substance (homo-ousios). Most famous supporter: Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria 327-373.
Arians, so-called after the Egyptian priest Arius. They believe that Christ is slightly below God, because a Son should be subordinate to his Father, and they are not of the same substance.
Homoians, group holding a "compromise" position. Avoid the divisive term "substance" and say merely that Christ and the Father are "alike" (homoios).
381: Ecumenical Council at Constantinople. Finally decides in favor of the Nicene version, which becomes official orthodoxy. Adds that the Holy Spirit is also "of the same substance."
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HANDOUT SOURCE: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Terms:
Honestiores, the elite (includes senators, equestrians, decurions, town councillors). Legal privileges, exemption from many taxes. Immune from physical punishment.
Humiliores, everyone else. Ordinary people, with fewer rights. Can legally be flogged, tortured.
Senators: elite class of wealthiest families. Own most of the land; claim exemption from taxes and public duties.
Curials/Decurions: members of the town councils (curiae). Moderately wealthy families who are expected to pay for infrastructure, festivals etc out of their own pockets. In late antiquity, people increasingly see this status as a burden to be avoided.
Euergetism ("good works"): expectation that wealthy individuals should spend their own money to pay for their town’s public buildings and operating expenses.
Prostasia: "protection", in the organized-crime sense of the word. Arrangement between a powerful patron and dependent clients, e.g. between a military officer and a peasant village.
Parrhesia ("freedom of speech"): ability of a trusted person (counsellor, philosopher, or perhaps Christian bishop or holy man) to speak freely before the emperor.
Chronology:
364-375: Valentinian emperor in the west.
364-378: Valens (brother of Valentinian) emperor in the east.
379-395: Theodosius I emperor.
387: Riot of the Statues. Rioters angry about taxes destroy imperial images in Antioch.
388: Synagogue destroyed at Callinicum; Ambrose confronts Theodosius to prevent him from punishing the bishop who was responsible.
390: Riot at Thessalonica; one of Theodosius’ generals lynched. Emperor retaliates by ordering thousands of citizens massacred. Ambrose confronts Theodosius in Milan and forces him to do penance.
408-450: Theodosius II emperor in east.
438: Publication of Theodosian Code, official compilation of imperial law.
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http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1901...
OR
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf1...
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SOURCE: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Terms:
Catechumen, a Christian in a "probationary" period prior to baptism (cf. "catechism").
John Chrysostom ("Golden Mouth"): c.347-407.
c.370-398: a preacher in Antioch.
388: writes On Vainglory and How to Raise your Children.
398: forcibly elected bishop of Constantinople.
403: impeached at the Synod of the Oak for various high crimes and misdemeanors. Exiled. His followers riot in the streets.
407: dies in exile.
437: John’s remains are returned to Constantinople and he is venerated as a saint.
Augustine: 354-430.
354: born to Christian mother and pagan father.
c.370-385: "youthful indiscretions."
387: conversion to Christianity.
395: becomes bishop of Hippo (in modern Algeria).
c.400: writes Confessions, reflecting back on his youthful indiscretions.
c.395-421: writes various treatises arguing the Catholic case against the Donatists.
397: controversy with Jerome on virginity versus marriage.
410: Sack of Rome by the Goths. Augustine begins writing City of God.
413-420: controversy with Pelagius on question of grace and predestination.
426: finishes City of God.
429: Vandals invade Africa.
430: Augustine dies. His disciple Possidius catalogues and salvages his library.
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Terms:
Hagiography, "sacred biography". Biographies of famous saints or monks, usually written by their disciples or successors.
Asceticism, from Gk. askesis: effort, discipline, struggle.
Monk, monastery, monasticism, from Gk. monachos: "single" or "solitary."
Hermit, from Gk. eremos: desert or wilderness.
Lavra, loosely organized monastic settlement, a cluster of individual cells.
Abbot, from Aramaic abba: father.
Cenobite or cenobitic, from Gk. koinos bios, "common life". Refers to monks living in groups.
People:
Antony, first monk in Egypt: c.260-c.350.
Pachomius, founder in Egypt of first organized monastery with a Rule: c.292-346.
Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria 328-373. Wrote Life of Antony and introduced text to Latin West, where it helped inspire Augustine’s conversion.
Shenoute, Abbot of White Monastery (Upper Egypt) c.388-c.450. Leading figure in Coptic monasticism. His biography written by his disciple and successor Besa.
Basil, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (modern Turkey) c.329-379. His monastic Rule set the standard for the Greek Orthodox Church.
Macrina, Basil’s sister. Founded one of earliest monasteries for women.
John Cassian (c.365-433). Founded monastery at Marseilles on Egyptian model.
Augustine (354-430). Founded monastery and wrote Rule for his clergy at Hippo.
Jerome (c.347-420): Ascetic and scholar. Spent years living in desert near Jerusalem. Produced Latin "Vulgate" translation of Scripture.
Alexander the Akoimete ("sleepless") d.430: monk in Syria and Asia Minor who pursued "Apostolic Poverty." His followers renounced property and employment, wandered and begged like the Apostles. Called "sleepless" because of their 24-hour nonstop hymn-singing.
Benedict (c.480-540): Founder of monastery at Monte Cassino; source of Benedictine Rule that became dominant monastic system in later centuries.
Gregory the Great (c.540-604): Pope of Rome from 590-604. Wrote Dialogues on the Life of St. Benedict.
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NPNF2-04. Athanasius: Select Works and Letters
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf2...
OR
LIFE OF SAINT ANTHONY (NEW ADVENT)
Athanasius the bishop to the brethren in foreign parts.
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2811...
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SOURCE OF HANDOUT: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Significant Dates:
376: Goths cross into Roman territory, fleeing from Huns.
378: Goths revolt; Roman army defeated at Adrianople.
Early 390s: Ammianus Marcellinus writes his History.
406: Vandals, Sueves and others cross Rhine into Gaul.
410: Rome sacked by Goths.
413-427: Augustine writes City of God.
418: Goths settled in Aquitania.
429-439: Vandals conquer North Africa.
c.440: Salvian of Marseilles writes On the Governance of God.
c.445: Priscus at court of Attila.
451: Attila the Hun defeated at battle of Catalaunian Fields.
455: Rome sacked by Vandals.
476: Last western emperor, Romulus Augustulus, deposed in Ravenna.
c.550: Jordanes, in Constantinople, writes his History of the Goths.
Emperors:
Valens 364-378 (killed at Adrianople)
Theodosius I (379-395)
Honorius (395-423) emperor in west
Generals and warlords:
Stilicho, magister militum (master of soldiers) in the west: 395-408
Alaric, leader of the Goths c.392-411
Attila ("little daddy"), king of the Huns c.445-453
Odoacer, deposes last western emperor and rules Italy 476-493
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Major Characters/Terms in Beowulf:
Beowulf, the hero. Warrior of the Geats (from southern Sweden).
Hrothgar, a king in Denmark.
Heorot, his Great Hall.
Hygelac, Beowulf’s lord.
Wiglaf, Beowulf’s loyal retainer at the end.
Grendel, a villain/monster, descended from Cain.
Grendel’s mother.
A Dragon, guarding a hoard of buried treasure.
Wyrd or Weird, fate/destiny or doom.
Wergild, "blood price." Financial compensation for a death or injury, paid in order to settle or prevent a blood-feud between families.
The Context: Early England
406: Emperor Honorius withdraws Roman military forces from Britain, never to return.
Late fifth/early sixth centuries: Anglo-Saxon warriors come from Denmark and Scandinavia, and begin settling in southeast Britain. Deeds of warriors and kings back on the continent are referred to in Beowulf.
c.540: Monk Gildas writes On the Ruin of Britain.
597: Monk Augustine sent by Pope Gregory the Great to preach to the Anglo-Saxons. He converts Ethelbert, King of Kent and becomes bishop of Canterbury.
602: Ethelbert issues a written law-code in Anglo-Saxon.
635: Northumbrian King Oswald accepts Christianity; monks from Iona found island monastery of Lindisfarne.
664: Synod of Whitby called to resolve differences between Roman and Irish churches on the date of Easter.
c.673-735: Bede, "the Venerable." Monk at Northumbrian monastery of Jarrow. Writes Ecclesiastical History of the English People, our major source for 7th-century England.
675-754: Wynfrith, or Boniface, English monk who missionizes on the Continent. Killed by pagans in Frisia.
c.700-800: Oral traditions about Beowulf written down, now in a Christian context.
793: Destruction of Lindisfarne by pagan Vikings begins a century of chaos.
849-899: Alfred the Great, king of Wessex.
c.1000: Our oldest surviving manuscript of Beowulf.
SOURCE: http://faculty.maxwell.syr.edu/gaddis...
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Titles:
"Duke" from Latin dux, originally a military commander.
"Count" from Latin comes, originally "follower" or "companion," also a late Roman military title.
Merovingian Gaul:
"Merovingian" from Merovech, legendary sea-monster ancestor of Clovis.
"Franks" and "Francia" (hence "France") from Germanic frekkr, "free" or "fierce".
c.300: Salian Franks settled by Romans near mouth of Rhine.
c.315-397: Martin of Tours. In Gaul from 360, bishop from 372.
c.360-420: Sulpicius Severus, biographer of Martin of Tours.
c.430-487: Sidonius Apollinarius, bishop of Clermont.
c.470-542: Caesarius of Arles. Originally a monk; bishop from 502.
481: Death of Chilperic. Franks control most of Northern Gaul.
481-512: Reign of Clovis.
c.490? Possible date of Clovis’ conversion to Catholic Christianity.
507: Clovis defeats Visigoths and conquers Southern Gaul (Aquitania).
512-561: Clothar king.
525-587: Radegund, Frankish queen. Founds nunnery c.550.
538-594: Gregory, bishop of Tours and author of History of the Franks.
c.535-610: Venantius Fortunatus, bishop and poet at Poitiers.
c.623-638: Dagobert, one of the "incompetent kings."
c.630-c.670: Balthild, Frankish queen and founder of nunnery.
751: Last Merovingian king deposed, replaced by Carolingians.
Ostrogoths ("East Goths") in Italy:
454: Hun empire disintegrates on death of Attila. "Ostrogoth" tribe emerges in Balkans.
489: Eastern emperor Zeno sends Gothic leader Theodoric to invade Italy.
493: Theodoric overthrows Odoacer and kills him.
493-527: Reign of Theodoric in Italy. Theodoric and his followers practice the Arian version of Christianity.
c.485-580: Cassiodorus, Roman senator and praetorian prefect for Theodoric. Writes Variae and lost Gothic History used by Jordanes.
c.480-525: Boethius, senator and philosopher. Writes Consolation of Philosophy while awaiting execution.
527-536: Political instability after death of Theodoric. Justinian plans intervention.
536-560: Gothic wars. Eastern army under Belisarius struggles with Goths. Italy ravaged and exhausted after final Byzantine victory.
c.550: Cassiodorus in Constantinople. Jordanes writes his History of the Goths.
554: Cassiodorus retires to monastery of Vivarium in S. Italy.
568: Lombards ("Long-beards") invade and seize large parts of Italy.
Visigoths ("West Goths") in Spain:
376: Goths cross Danube, fleeing Huns.
378: They defeat Romans at Adrianople.
c.395-410: Alaric king of Goths.
410: Goths sack Rome.
410-416: Athaulf king of Goths.
418: Goths settled in Aquitania by treaty; sent by Rome to expel Vandals from Spain.
c.430-487: Sidonius Apollinarius, bishop of Clermont.
466-484: Euric king.
507: Goths defeated by Franks, expelled from Southern Gaul. Theodoric of Italy intervenes to save their kingdom in Spain.
589: Conversion of Goths from Arianism to Catholicism under Reccared.
c.560-636: Isidore of Seville, encyclopedist and intellectual.
711: Visigothic kingdom conquered by Muslims.
Vandals in Africa:
Winter 406/7: Vandals, Sueves, Alans and others cross Rhine and invade Gaul.
c.410: Vandals in Spain. Vandals adopt the Arian version of Christianity.
428: Defeated by Goths in Spain, 80,000 Vandals cross to North Africa.
428-477: Gaiseric king of Vandals.
429-430: Vandals besiege Hippo. Death of Augustine.
439: Vandals take Carthage.
455: Vandal fleet sacks Rome.
477-484: Huneric king.
484: Persecution of Catholics in North Africa, recorded by Victor of Vita.
533: Justinian sends Belisarius to invade North Africa. End of Vandal kingdom.
Early Christian Ireland:
Patricius (Patrick) c.420-492. Born in Britain, kidnapped by Irish pirates, credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish.
Columba c.521-597. Irish cleric, exiled for shedding blood, founds monastery (c.565) on the isle of Iona, off Scotland.
Columbanus d.615. Irish monk, goes to Gaul to "clean up" monastic practice there, moves on to Italy.
Adomnan c.640-704. Abbot of Iona. Responsible for the Law of the Innocents (697).
SOURCE: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
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Chronology:
395: Death of Theodosius I and final division between Eastern and Western Empires.
395-408: Reign of Arcadius. His wife Eudoxia (d.404).
398-404: John Chrysostom patriarch of Constantinople.
399: Downfall of Eutropius, court eunuch.
400: Rebellion of barbarian warlord Gainas suppressed.
403: Chrysostom charged with misconduct by the Synod of the Oak and exiled. His supporters riot and force his return.
404: Chrysostom exiled again. Dies in exile in 407.
408-450: Reign of Theodosius II.
The power behind the throne: his sister Pulcheria (399-453).
His wife Eudocia (400-460). From 443 exiled in Jerusalem.
431: Ecumenical Council at Ephesus.
434-453: Reign of Attila, king of the Huns.
438-450: Attila threatens the Eastern Empire.
438: Publication of the Theodosian Code, a systematic compilation of imperial law.
449: Embassy of Priscus to court of Attila.
450-457: Elderly general Marcian becomes emperor; married to Pulcheria after death of Theodosius II.
450-451: Attila attacks Western Empire. Defeated at Catalaunian Fields (Gaul) in 451.
451: Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon.
453: Attila dies in a drunken stupor. His empire quickly disintegrates.
457-474: Leo I emperor, sponsored by the barbarian general Aspar.
474-491: Zeno emperor, from Isauria in Asia Minor.
491-518: Anastasius emperor.
518-527: Justin emperor.
SOURCE: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
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The History Book Club
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Of The Manner In Which The Persecutors Died (other topics)
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Origen (other topics)
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http://faculty.maxwell.syr.edu/gaddis...