The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity

By: Kenneth W. Harl, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kenneth W. Harl

Explore the dramatic interaction between Judaism, Christianity, and paganism in Rome from the 1st to the 6th centuries. Why did pagan Rome clash with the early Christians? What was it like to be a Jew or a Christian under Roman law? And how did Christianity ultimately achieve dominance in the Roman Empire?

Over the course of 24 lectures, Professor Harl enables you to grasp the full historical sweep of this critically important era and its key figures. You'll examine why Christianity was able to emerge and endure and, in turn, spark a critical transition for religion, culture, and politics that underpins much of how today's Western world - both Christian and non-Christian alike - thinks about ethics, sin, redemption, forgiveness, progress, and so much more.

While the Judeo-Christian values that have shaped society's ideas are ones we might today take for granted, their emergence from an ancient era dominated by loyalties to a vast array of gods would once have seemed the most unlikely of narratives. Even after the Roman emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in A.D. 312, it would not be until the 6th-century reign of Justinian that medieval Christianity would emerge and this new historical pathway confirmed.

In this magnificent course, Professor Harl brings to life some of the most important and fascinating episodes of the era, taking you on a vibrant trek through the past - one that will lead you to a deeper understanding of the bedrock beliefs of Western culture.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2011 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2011 The Great Courses

loved it but

I'm a huge fan of this professor in the great courses; I've listened to a number of his other works. Like the others, I learned a ton.

That said. It wasn't very well organized - he was constantly referencing forward and back in time. Even my very solid knowledge of this time period wasn't always enough for me to keep things straight.

This series was almost more food for thought than straight history. It's more useful to someone interested in contemplating historiography and those types of arguments than someone who wants to learn about this time period per say. If you aren't already familiar with the time period you will be confused.

That said, I learned a ton and found most of his arguments to be very believable. Glad I listened 😁

Great Course; Lives up to the name.

Excellent delivery by a dedicated professor. LOTS of material (years, names, places, etc.) covered over any 600 years. So my brain glazed over at times. Prof. Harl pulled it all together for me. Outstanding course.

Fall of the Pagans and Rise of Christianity

As always Dr Harl knows his stuff! I love these Great Courses since there is so much information here. I wish I could remember half of it!

interesting take on the rise of Christianity

the narration was practiced and easy to follow
never really considered how important coinage could be as a window into the world from which they came

Peak Harl

Absolutely superior history! Professor Harl has a phenomenal series here on The Great Courses. But this one both tops and typifies why Harl’s approach to comparative history marks the pinnacle of scholarship. He knows the sources, the debates, and has walked the grounds and done original research. The course absolutely flies, one chapter leading naturally to another. Peak Harl, but also peak historical scholarship of the kind utterly lacking in today’s contemporary history. Strongly recommend!