Tim Whitmarsh

Dazzling. This thrilling and elegantly written book will change how you see Rome, and Christianity, for ever

This remarkable book redefines early Christianity, finally situating its leaders, believers, and martyrs within rather than against the Roman Empire. More than persecution Rome provided the Jesus movement with the models, opportunities, and infrastructure it needed to thrive. A joy to read, it sparkles with new insights and ideas that challenge the reader to rethink Roman as well as Christian history. As they come closer together both Romans and Christians become stranger and more interesting

Josephine Quinn, author of How the World Made the West

Nobody understands the psychology and ethnic complexity of late antiquity like Tim Whitmarsh. This riveting read offers incisive, nuanced and stylishly written explanations for the extraordinary and rapid spread of Christian beliefs throughout the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. A period of unprecedented intellectual and spiritual ferment that still has ramifications today is brought to vivid life. Essential reading

Tim Whitmarsh's Rome's Age of Revolution locates early Christianity in its contexts of the Greek East, Augustus' revolution, and the early rule of the emperors. Written with style and wit, it makes us rethink everything we know about the rise of Christianity. Strikingly original, provocative and wonderfully enjoyable, it is one of the most important books on the ancient history in many years

Harry Sidebottom, author of Those Who Are About to Die

This dazzling, refreshingly innovative book reframes the origins of Christianity through the cultural and political shockwaves of Augustan imperialism. With remarkable intellectual range, clarity, and verve, Whitmarsh shows how Greek-speaking eastern Roman Empire did not merely receive Christianity but actively forged its instincts, arguments, and ambitions – forever changing how we think about the entanglement of empire, culture and early Christianity

Candida Moss, author of God's Ghostwriters

The intricate relationship between early Christianity, Greek culture and the Roman Empire, is expertly articulated in this thoughtful and beautifully written book. Full of new insights and careful in its treatment of difficult and ambiguous evidence, this book is powerful and fascinating throughout

Andrew Pettegree, author of The Book at War

Rome's Age of Revolution is an intellectually exciting, challenging and important examination of the early years of Christianity. Whitmarsh's nuanced and rigorous demonstration of the connections between the physical, cultural and philosophical structures of the Roman empire and those of the emerging Christian religion offer a whole new way to view Christians as an integrated part of the whole, multifaceted ancient Mediterranean world

Emma Southon, author of A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women

Augustus, Empire and the Making of Christianity

How did Christianity, starting out as a minor offshoot of Judaism, grow into an international faith that shaped the world as we know it? Rome’s Age of Revolution corrects the triumphalist narrative that the Christian message was so persuasive, and indeed superior, that people converted in huge numbers, abandoning their pagan beliefs, thereby turning a small persecuted sect into the state religion of the Roman Empire. 
 
Tim Whitmarsh shows that Christianity would never have succeeded if it had not taken advantage of the infrastructure and culture of the Roman Empire; in turn the new religion was indelibly shaped and transformed by Roman beliefs and ideas, especially those circulating in the Greek-speaking, or Hellenistic, eastern parts of the empire. This radical transformation, Tim argues, can only be described as a revolution. The consequences are with us to this day.

Tim Whitmarsh

Praise for Rome's Age of Revolution

Dazzling. This thrilling and elegantly written book will change how you see Rome, and Christianity, for ever

This remarkable book redefines early Christianity, finally situating its leaders, believers, and martyrs within rather than against the Roman Empire. More than persecution Rome provided the Jesus movem ...

Nobody understands the psychology and ethnic complexity of late antiquity like Tim Whitmarsh. This riveting read offers incisive, nuanced and stylishly written explanations for the extraordinary and ra ...

Dazzling. This thrilling and elegantly written book will change how you see Rome, and Christianity, for ever

This remarkable book redefines early Christianity, finally situating its leaders, believers, and martyrs within rather than against the Roman Empire. More than persecution Rome provided the Jesus movem ...

Nobody understands the psychology and ethnic complexity of late antiquity like Tim Whitmarsh. This riveting read offers incisive, nuanced and stylishly written explanations for the extraordinary and ra ...

Dazzling. This thrilling and elegantly written book will change how you see Rome, and Christianity, for ever

This remarkable book redefines early Christianity, finally situating its leaders, believers, and martyrs within rather than against the Roman Empire. More than persecution Rome provided the Jesus movem ...

Nobody understands the psychology and ethnic complexity of late antiquity like Tim Whitmarsh. This riveting read offers incisive, nuanced and stylishly written explanations for the extraordinary and ra ...

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