From the Ancient Near East to Christian Byzantium: Kings, Symbols, and Cities

by Mario Baghos

This book combines concepts from the history of religions with Byzantine studies in its assessments of kings, symbols, and cities in a diachronic and cross-cultural analysis. The work attests, firstly, that the symbolic art and architecture of ancient cities―commissioned by their monarchs expressing their relationship with their gods―show us that religiosity was inherent to such enterprises. It also demonstrates that what transpired from the first cities in history to Byzantine Christendom is the gradual replacement of the pagan ruler cult―which was inherent to city-building in antiquity―with the ruler becoming subordinate to Christ; exemplified by representations of the latter as the ‘Master of All’ (Pantokrator). Beginning in Mesopotamia, the book continues with an analysis of city-building by rulers in Egypt, Greece, and Rome, before addressing Judaism (specifically, the city of Jerusalem) and Christianity as shifting the emphasis away from pagan gods and rulers to monotheistic perceptions of God as elevated above worldly kings. It concludes with an assessment of Christian Rome and Constantinople as typifying the evolution from the ancient and classical world to Christendom.

Genres: Church History

302 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2021

About the author

After completing a Bachelor of Theology degree at St Andrew's, I graduated from the Bachelor of Theology Honours program with a thesis on 'Eusebius [of Caesarea's] Eschatology of Replacement in Relation to his view of the Christian Emperor' in 2010. In the same year I joined the faculty of St Andrew's as an Associate Teacher in the field of Church History; specifically The Early Church and Early Byzantine History. In 2011, I was accredited as an Associate Lecturer for both Church History and, when this was temporarily unavailable, I was accredited for Patristic Studies. This was on account of the encouragement of the Very Revd Dr Doru Costache, Senior Lecturer in Patristic Studies at St Andrew's. I have contributed actively to the College's annual Patristic Symposia since 2009, the fruits of which have been published in several peer reviewed journals. These articles explore the theme of a patristic approach towards history and eschatology, and the representation of Eastern Orthodox saints in both ancient and contemporary sources. I have recently submitted my PhD in the department of Studies in Religion at the University of Sydney, under the supervision of Professor Carole Cusack and Father Doru. My topic involves a history of religions approach towards Rome and Constantinople during the Constantinian regime, as well as an assessment of the major cultural antecedents. In 2014 I also undetook some tutoring in the department of Studies in Religion, namely for the courses The Birth of Christianity (in Semester 1) and the History of Religions (in Semester 2), both of which were co-ordinated by Professor Iain Gardner. That same year I also participated in the Tutor Development Program at the University of Sydney, for which I received a certificate. I am currently developing a unit for St Andrew's on Byzantine Studies. Since 2013 I have been editorial assistant for the College's journal, Phronema.

Reviews

[Chris Baghos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting exploration of sacred topography spanning numerous millennia and civilisations; a must read for scholars and history aficionados. If you’re a devoted follower of Mircea Eliade or Jonathan Pageau, purchase this book today!

[Denise O'Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

'From the Ancient Near East to Christian Byzantium' traces the history of Christian Byzantium through an examination of the origins of specific ancient cities, and the symbolism of their art and monuments as perceived by their kings. Dr Baghos takes us on a detailed and highly evocative journey through Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Israel and ultimately to Rome and Constantinople.

This superb book is notable first for its insistence on the innate religiosity of these early civilisations as revealed by their symbolism; and second how the gradually evolving nature of that symbolism mirrored the transformation of the ancient, pagan world away towards Christianity.

Dr Baghos’ knowledge of, and feeling for, Church history, world religions and biblical studies make this book nothing less than an act of scholarly devotion. Scrupulously researched and complete with Preface, Introduction, a section on Definitions used, as well as a detailed bibliography, the book makes a significant contribution to the existing canon of literature on the history of the ancient world and Early Christianity.

Written in a lively and lucid manner and plentifully illustrated, this is a uniquely informative, inspiring and captivating book. I recommend it unreservedly to academics, students of ancient history and religion, as well as the general interested general reader.