The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity, Prof Kenneth W. Harl (24 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 4x DVD - The Great Courses)
This historical survey explores the profound transformation of the Mediterranean world as it shifted from a diverse landscape of polytheistic cults to a society dominated by Christian institutions. The narrative begins by detailing the civic and mystery religions of the Roman Empire, illustrating how traditional paganism provided a sense of community and continuity before Christianity emerged, creating tension with the pluralistic Roman state and causing systemic persecution.
The latter portion of the study focuses on the pivotal reign of Constantine the Great and the subsequent elevation of Christianity to the official state religion under Theodosius I, analyzing how the Church adopted Roman administrative models and legal frameworks. By tracing the decline of pagan temples and the rise of monasticism, the lectures demonstrate how the collapse of the Western Roman Empire allowed the Church to become the primary custodian of classical culture, laying the essential foundations for the Middle Ages.
 
Enhance your collection with a resource that bridges the past and the present, reflecting the essence of Book Archaeology’s passion for education and history.