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Routledge History of the Ancient World
The Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity AD 395-600
This book provides both a detailed introduction to the vivid and exciting period of `late antiquity' and a direct challenge to conventional views of the end of the Empire.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 1993
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358 people want to read
About the author
Averil Cameron
64 books33 followersDame Averil Millicent Cameron, Professor of Late Antique and Byzantine History at the University of Oxford.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 14, 2019
Interesting information about a time period I don't know much of. Well written as well.
July 14, 2018
Since the publishing of Peter Brown’s book, The World of Late Antiquity 1971, the academic world has been in a scramble to update the current study of late Roman history to reflect the concepts first asserted by Brown with regards to what is popularly considered the “Fall of the Roman Empire.” Current textbooks have clearly not caught on with this trend and only give cursory coverage of the the Roman Empire in late antiquity calling an end of the empire in 476 C.E. with the deposition of Romulus Augustulus. While Averil Cameron is at times critical of the past work by Brown in her work The Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity, 1993, she does continue to reshape our current understanding of the complex world of Rome in late antiquity helping to obliterate the importance of 476 C.E.
Averil Cameron is currently a professor of Late Antique and Byzantine history at Oxford University. Cameron is the author of numerous books on the topic of late antiquity including a companion book to the Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity titled The Later Roman Empire 1993. Cameron has received honorary degrees from the Universities of Warwick, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Lund, The Queen’s University of Belfast and London.
The year 395 C.E. is the starting point of Cameron’s book The Mediterranean World of Late Antiquity, since this is the point where the Roman Empire is divided into two halves an Eastern and Western Roman Empire. Her contention with this division is that it is at this point there is a clear divergence between the two empires with the East faring much better than the West. When examined as a whole the book, it does an excellent job of giving us a survey of key topics and events throughout the empires which enables someone to deepen their understanding of this complex period of history. This book would be an excellent companion piece to any class on late Roman history, especially, if used in lue of the standard textbook, which often only gives cursory description of the period.
Cameron has divided her work into eight chapters which helps give us new insight into the the time period. The first chapter deals with the city of Constantinople and its importance within the Empire. Cameron enlightens the reader to the importance of the city really beginning the formation of the Eastern Empire after 395 C.E. given that prior to that time it was one of many regional cities within the empire. And while Constantine did reside here it was not the de facto western capital until they needed one. She also illuminates on the importance of the city with regard to its ability to withstand numerous challenges by barbarian groups including Attila the Hun. In her second chapter, she describes the complex relationship between the barbarians and the Roman empire. The old narrative of barbarian hordes roaming the countryside raping and pillaging their way across the Western Empire is thrown out and instead we are introduced to a series of diplomatic moves by past Roman emperors who asked for assistance from barbarian leaders. We get a clearer picture of key barbarian leaders such as Odoacer who deposed Romulus Augustulus and ruled in his stead as a barbarian general. These barbarian leaders were not seeking to destroy all that was Rome; instead, they are seeking entrance into Roman society, or they want the same luxuries of the citizens of Rome. In the fourth chapter, we learn about the tangled social structures and the economy from the late Roman Empire. It is in this chapter Cameron may be giving us insight into the politics of our current situation in the United States. The vast majority of wealth within Roman territories was generally in the hands of very few individuals who in contrast to popular belief did not see a change in lifestyle despite the collapse of governmental structures prevalent in previous centuries under Roman rule. Instead these individuals continued to reap the rewards of a lax tax system for the very rich and continue the process of trying to tax the average workers to continue paying off the barbarians and thus leaving the wealth for themselves. More and more of the money collected from taxes needed to be spent for military purposes, which can give a citizen of the United States pause as we observe a tax structure which clearly benefits very few and an ever increasing portion of the tax expenditures going to the military. Chapter five details the contributions of Justinian within the Eastern empire and in his attempts at reconquering the former glory of the complete Roman empire. Cameron tries to show the successes of Justinian’s policies and is critical of the lack of sustainability of both his reconquest of Africa and Italy. She does not lay total blame on Justinian or successive rulers of the Eastern empire, but instead she believes the political situations outside of the Empire and outside of the Eastern rule were clearly part of the picture making it difficult to decide why they did not have a lasting effect. The seventh chapter deals with urban change, and again Cameron challenges the traditional narrative of the wealthy landowners fleeing the cities to the countryside. Instead she demonstrates the reality of most wealthy landowners continuing to reside and reap the rewards of living within the city.
While Cameron’s book does not break any new ground in a revolutionary sense, she does continue to establish a narrative explaining the complex period of Roman history. She clearly paints a picture of a people whose lives did not drastically change after 476 C.E., instead for many people life continued on much as it had prior. The book itself is carefully organized and gives the reader a careful map of which to gain a much clearer picture of the world of the Mediterranean during the years 396-600 C.E.
Averil Cameron is currently a professor of Late Antique and Byzantine history at Oxford University. Cameron is the author of numerous books on the topic of late antiquity including a companion book to the Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity titled The Later Roman Empire 1993. Cameron has received honorary degrees from the Universities of Warwick, St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Lund, The Queen’s University of Belfast and London.
The year 395 C.E. is the starting point of Cameron’s book The Mediterranean World of Late Antiquity, since this is the point where the Roman Empire is divided into two halves an Eastern and Western Roman Empire. Her contention with this division is that it is at this point there is a clear divergence between the two empires with the East faring much better than the West. When examined as a whole the book, it does an excellent job of giving us a survey of key topics and events throughout the empires which enables someone to deepen their understanding of this complex period of history. This book would be an excellent companion piece to any class on late Roman history, especially, if used in lue of the standard textbook, which often only gives cursory description of the period.
Cameron has divided her work into eight chapters which helps give us new insight into the the time period. The first chapter deals with the city of Constantinople and its importance within the Empire. Cameron enlightens the reader to the importance of the city really beginning the formation of the Eastern Empire after 395 C.E. given that prior to that time it was one of many regional cities within the empire. And while Constantine did reside here it was not the de facto western capital until they needed one. She also illuminates on the importance of the city with regard to its ability to withstand numerous challenges by barbarian groups including Attila the Hun. In her second chapter, she describes the complex relationship between the barbarians and the Roman empire. The old narrative of barbarian hordes roaming the countryside raping and pillaging their way across the Western Empire is thrown out and instead we are introduced to a series of diplomatic moves by past Roman emperors who asked for assistance from barbarian leaders. We get a clearer picture of key barbarian leaders such as Odoacer who deposed Romulus Augustulus and ruled in his stead as a barbarian general. These barbarian leaders were not seeking to destroy all that was Rome; instead, they are seeking entrance into Roman society, or they want the same luxuries of the citizens of Rome. In the fourth chapter, we learn about the tangled social structures and the economy from the late Roman Empire. It is in this chapter Cameron may be giving us insight into the politics of our current situation in the United States. The vast majority of wealth within Roman territories was generally in the hands of very few individuals who in contrast to popular belief did not see a change in lifestyle despite the collapse of governmental structures prevalent in previous centuries under Roman rule. Instead these individuals continued to reap the rewards of a lax tax system for the very rich and continue the process of trying to tax the average workers to continue paying off the barbarians and thus leaving the wealth for themselves. More and more of the money collected from taxes needed to be spent for military purposes, which can give a citizen of the United States pause as we observe a tax structure which clearly benefits very few and an ever increasing portion of the tax expenditures going to the military. Chapter five details the contributions of Justinian within the Eastern empire and in his attempts at reconquering the former glory of the complete Roman empire. Cameron tries to show the successes of Justinian’s policies and is critical of the lack of sustainability of both his reconquest of Africa and Italy. She does not lay total blame on Justinian or successive rulers of the Eastern empire, but instead she believes the political situations outside of the Empire and outside of the Eastern rule were clearly part of the picture making it difficult to decide why they did not have a lasting effect. The seventh chapter deals with urban change, and again Cameron challenges the traditional narrative of the wealthy landowners fleeing the cities to the countryside. Instead she demonstrates the reality of most wealthy landowners continuing to reside and reap the rewards of living within the city.
While Cameron’s book does not break any new ground in a revolutionary sense, she does continue to establish a narrative explaining the complex period of Roman history. She clearly paints a picture of a people whose lives did not drastically change after 476 C.E., instead for many people life continued on much as it had prior. The book itself is carefully organized and gives the reader a careful map of which to gain a much clearer picture of the world of the Mediterranean during the years 396-600 C.E.
November 22, 2022
Excelente visión general del tema que sirve de introducción a una época tradicionalmente poco estudiada y peor comprendida. Muy recomendable bibliografía, aunque por suerte en los últimos años han surgido nuevos estudios que harían necesaria una actualización.
August 1, 2018
Averil Cameron’s The Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity is an excellent thematic overview of the methodology and major research topics in Late Antiquity. She generally avoids drawing major conclusions on themes like the late Roman economy, urban life, the role of ‘barbarians,’ and Christianization, but powerfully explains many of the research trends and views of previous scholars on such topics. While her interests as a Byzantinist and focus on the east are evident, she does a decent job covering parts of the west as well. She also does much debunk some of the outdated ideas about the period, many of with are sadly still common in popular culture, such as the myth of hordes of ‘barbarian invaders,’ urban ‘decline,’ and overemphasis on the effects of Christianization.
The second edition (2012) updates the text and endnotes to reflect the publication of more recent scholarly works and adds two more chapters. The first of these being a chapter on trends in the study of different cultures in the late antique east, highlighting that this was a region of immense cultural and linguistic diversity. The other is a (mostly) narrative of account of the lead up to the rise of Islam and its effects on the Byzantine Empire and eastern Mediterranean world. Such additions are immensely helpful for furthering the connections of the late antique world to cultures and events of the medieval period.
While Cameron mentions in the preface that this book is intended as a starting point for studying Late Antiquity, I would qualify that to say that it is a starting point for those who already have some experience with the classical world and the basic contours of late antique history. The book is certainly not a narrative history, though someone might get that impression from the title. Although the narrative sections on the fourth century, the reign of Justinian, and the rise of Islam are quite good, I fear that a reader who is completely new to the late antique world (or classics in general) will quickly become lost in the sea of unfamiliar names and geographical references. For those at the earliest stages of studying Late Antiquity, I would personally recommend the later episodes of Mike Duncan’s The History of Rome and the early episodes of Robin Pierson’s the History of Byzantium to get a basic sense of the major events and individuals in this period.
Cameron’s book is perhaps ideal for someone has (or is currently working on) a classics undergrad, who probably already knows the gist of this time period, and is perhaps considering focusing on Late Antiquity for a grad school program. In such a case, it will helpfully introduce them to some of the core research trends, the sources, and prepare them for thinking about the period in a more analytic manner. Peter Brown’s The World of Late Antiquity is, of course, also a must read for anyone interested studying in this period.
The second edition (2012) updates the text and endnotes to reflect the publication of more recent scholarly works and adds two more chapters. The first of these being a chapter on trends in the study of different cultures in the late antique east, highlighting that this was a region of immense cultural and linguistic diversity. The other is a (mostly) narrative of account of the lead up to the rise of Islam and its effects on the Byzantine Empire and eastern Mediterranean world. Such additions are immensely helpful for furthering the connections of the late antique world to cultures and events of the medieval period.
While Cameron mentions in the preface that this book is intended as a starting point for studying Late Antiquity, I would qualify that to say that it is a starting point for those who already have some experience with the classical world and the basic contours of late antique history. The book is certainly not a narrative history, though someone might get that impression from the title. Although the narrative sections on the fourth century, the reign of Justinian, and the rise of Islam are quite good, I fear that a reader who is completely new to the late antique world (or classics in general) will quickly become lost in the sea of unfamiliar names and geographical references. For those at the earliest stages of studying Late Antiquity, I would personally recommend the later episodes of Mike Duncan’s The History of Rome and the early episodes of Robin Pierson’s the History of Byzantium to get a basic sense of the major events and individuals in this period.
Cameron’s book is perhaps ideal for someone has (or is currently working on) a classics undergrad, who probably already knows the gist of this time period, and is perhaps considering focusing on Late Antiquity for a grad school program. In such a case, it will helpfully introduce them to some of the core research trends, the sources, and prepare them for thinking about the period in a more analytic manner. Peter Brown’s The World of Late Antiquity is, of course, also a must read for anyone interested studying in this period.
April 4, 2013
This really should be called The 'Eastern' Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity as that is almost solely where it's focus lies (the West is barely covered). Though now a little long in the tooth, this is still a very solid introduction to the debates and issues surrounding cultural and economic history during this period. The strengths of this book are in its account of Justinian's reign and conquests (and especially their long term consequences) and its assessment of the state of the Byzantine Near East in the years before the coming of Islam.
Any student in this period inevitably faces the question of how the Arab Muslim armies of the 7th Century were able to conquer so vast and permanent an empire with such small forces. Islam did not encounter a monolithic Byzantine (or Eastern Roman, if you prefer that nomenclature) civilization, but one that was undergoing vast transformation, faced enormous external threats, especially from the Sassanid Persians, and encompassed a vast array of different cultures. This latter included Syriac, Aramaic, Arab and Armenian speakers as well as the dominant Greek language which still was supported by Imperial support and the continuing importance of Classical culture, split between three different types of Christianity and extensive Jewish and Pagan communities. While not dealing with Islam directly, those interested in its expansion will find much to ponder here.
Any student in this period inevitably faces the question of how the Arab Muslim armies of the 7th Century were able to conquer so vast and permanent an empire with such small forces. Islam did not encounter a monolithic Byzantine (or Eastern Roman, if you prefer that nomenclature) civilization, but one that was undergoing vast transformation, faced enormous external threats, especially from the Sassanid Persians, and encompassed a vast array of different cultures. This latter included Syriac, Aramaic, Arab and Armenian speakers as well as the dominant Greek language which still was supported by Imperial support and the continuing importance of Classical culture, split between three different types of Christianity and extensive Jewish and Pagan communities. While not dealing with Islam directly, those interested in its expansion will find much to ponder here.
May 26, 2013
This is a university-level introduction focused primarily on the remains of the eastern Roman Empire and its interactions with North Africa and the Middle East. There is only a little about Italy and less about lands further west. It seems to do a good job of introducing various theories people might encounter in further study. Also, the author points out the difficulties of sorting out bias in the old texts and of interpreting archaeological evidence. I found it fairly easy to read, though occasionally a little repetitive.
October 12, 2013
This represents a terrific overview of a complex subject. The interplay of pagans, Christians, Jews and than Muslims and Arabs is remarkable. It seemed the world of the late antique period was constantly at war. Another major mark is the defining of religious belief and who and what is the divine.
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October 31, 2023maybe just a little to the dry side, but very worthy and highly informative on a very intriguing subject. Debunks many myths and helps us sees things in a new light
November 4, 2022
Following on from her work on the later Roman empire this book filled many gaps in my knowledge of the early Byzantine Empire down to the Islamic invasions.
It is a little repetitive, perhaps the author thought no one would read it straight through but only plunder relevant chapters for essays!
Positions taken are very balanced and continuity is stressed as much as change. This seems to be the case with the Islamic takeover of the Middle East and towns and religious sites continued to flourish until the Ninth Century. Cameron rejects the idea that these were welcome or encouraged by non-Chalcedonian churches in the area.
During the period considered the Western Empire disappeared and the Eastern Empire waxed and waned. Justinian's reconquest of Italy came at great expense and compromise, unlike his earlier rapid recovery of North Africa. Surrounded by enemies, Persians, Avars, Slavs, Arabs, the Empire was constantly trying to defend itself and frequently buying off opponents (Danegeld is rarely a good idea in the long run).
Some cities, particularly Constantinople, remained large until the distribution of free bread became too expensive following the loss of Egypt. As the Arabs grew in strength there were temporary alliances until the final invasions. At that time Palestine was no desert but a densely populated, flourishing area.
A Palestinian Jew called Abraham, on hearing a new prophet had arisen among the Saracens, asked, 'He is an imposter. Do the prophets come with swords and chariot? Truly these happenings are works of disorder.'
This book will not give you a narrative of the period, for that you will need to look elsewhere, but it reward the reader with a broader picture of life in Byzantium through this period.
It is a little repetitive, perhaps the author thought no one would read it straight through but only plunder relevant chapters for essays!
Positions taken are very balanced and continuity is stressed as much as change. This seems to be the case with the Islamic takeover of the Middle East and towns and religious sites continued to flourish until the Ninth Century. Cameron rejects the idea that these were welcome or encouraged by non-Chalcedonian churches in the area.
During the period considered the Western Empire disappeared and the Eastern Empire waxed and waned. Justinian's reconquest of Italy came at great expense and compromise, unlike his earlier rapid recovery of North Africa. Surrounded by enemies, Persians, Avars, Slavs, Arabs, the Empire was constantly trying to defend itself and frequently buying off opponents (Danegeld is rarely a good idea in the long run).
Some cities, particularly Constantinople, remained large until the distribution of free bread became too expensive following the loss of Egypt. As the Arabs grew in strength there were temporary alliances until the final invasions. At that time Palestine was no desert but a densely populated, flourishing area.
A Palestinian Jew called Abraham, on hearing a new prophet had arisen among the Saracens, asked, 'He is an imposter. Do the prophets come with swords and chariot? Truly these happenings are works of disorder.'
This book will not give you a narrative of the period, for that you will need to look elsewhere, but it reward the reader with a broader picture of life in Byzantium through this period.
February 16, 2020
A nice overview on all the many different factors and elements that played into the transition from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages, including both the events and differences between the western empire and eastern empire and how the Roman Empire changed at different times for each side of the empire. The syntax and language was well written but the book could have been written better as far as chronology.
September 1, 2024
Bagus untuk mengenal dunia Romawi di akhir Zaman Kuno, dimana banyak perubahan dan transisi yang terjadi. Ada gereja, ada wabah, ada migrasi orang-orang yang membuat negara Romawi harus berubah mengikuti tuntutan zaman. Averil Cameron menyajikannya dengan baik dan padat. Harus dibaca seksama sih, kalo ga bisa kelewatan bagian-bagian yang saling menyambung di buku ini.
June 17, 2024
3,5/5
August 20, 2013
This is indeed an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the late Roman Empire, its transition from West to East, its Christianization, its temporary resurgence and its collapse.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews