The Darkening Age

The Christian Destruction of the Classical World

By: Catherine Nixey

Narrated by: Lalla Ward

Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Dive into the gripping narrative of The Darkening Age by Catherine Nixey that unfolds the rarely told, shocking story of a militant faith consuming the enlightened teachings of the Classical world in its race to establish supreme authority.

The Roman Empire had been generous in embracing and absorbing new creeds. This is the enthralling history of an era when Christianity, despite its peaceful premises, morphed into a ruthless force, with the pagan pantheon of the Roman Empire in its grip. In its wrath, not only did it demolish temples and upturn altars, but even books – the legacies of philosophy and science – weren't spared from the relentless flames.

Acclaimed as the Book of the Year by the Daily Telegraph, the Spectator, the Observer, and BBC History Magazine, and an Editor's Choice by the New York Times Book Review, The Darkening Age blends religion, history, and philosophy in a riveting tale that will lure in those fascinated by the tumultuous relationship between early Christianity and the Classical World.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©Catherine Nixey 2018 (P)2018 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic reviews

Nixey has done an impressive job of illuminating an important aspect of late-antique Christianity. (Levi Roach)

Engaging and erudite, Catherine Nixey's book offers both a compelling argument and a wonderful eye for vivid detail. It shines a searching spotlight on to some of the murkiest aspects of the early medieval mindset. A triumph. (Edith Hall, author of The Ancient Greeks: Ten Ways They Shaped the Modern World)

Nixey's elegant and ferocious text paints a dark but riveting picture of life at the time of the 'triumph' of Christianity, reminding us not just of the realities of our own past, but also of the sad echoes of that past in our present. (Dr Michael Scott)

Fascinating dive into fanaticism

Excellent listen on how the zealotry and fanaticism of the early Christian church and what was lost as a result.
And the PR spun the in-power church leaders over the following centuries.
I especially liked the analysis of the martyrs and the fear of contamination from the ‘demons’ of the pagan gods/worship.
Has parallels to the modem era, naturally. And sadly we keep seeing this behaviour again and again.
Recommended reading.

Eye-opening

This book has changed my view on Christianity, its influence over culture and custom today and the roman empire considerably. Some of the parallels to today's world are scary and remind the reader that history repeats itself. We must remain a curious and questioning society!

interesting view point

I was always wondering way from 5th century empire collapse now I got understand able explanation.

Eye opening book and superb performance

I absolutely loved it and truly learned a lot. The diction and performance by the narrator was perfection. Hope to listen to more from the author and the narrator

The Original ISIS

Changes the way that we view the Dark Ages - from being one caused by the fall of the Roman empire to the result of freedom of thought, speech and pluralism being snuffed out by the evils of monotheism. Reading the reviews of this book it is only Christians taking umbrage giving negative reviews. At least these days they have been tempered by secularism and they can no longer burn us...

Good story, rather subjective at times

Feel like the base pattern was established prior to the writing. Christianity did this! It did but would have liked a more objective story, not a story solely subjective. It is not bad, learned a lot. But wanted more..