Rome's Age of Revolution

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

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

Edith Hall, author of Aristotle's Way

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

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 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

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

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

Catherine Nixey, author of Heresy

Well-written and greatly enjoyable, thought-provoking and convincing. This is a book which deserves a wide readership

Philip Matyszak, author of Rome Before Rome

A brilliantly original and deeply engaging reinterpretation of Christianity’s earliest centuries. With astonishing range and clarity, Whitmarsh places the rise of the Jesus movement within the sweeping cultural transformation created by Augustan Rome and shows how early believers operated within the networks, cities and intellectual life of the empire. Rome’s Age of Revolution is a bold, learned and compelling book; quite simply, it is history writing at its very best

Bruce Gordon, author of The Bible