We look to Rome more than anywhere else for our European cultural roots. But Rome itself looked to the East, not to Europe. The Roman East had an immense impact upon Europe in a way that no other part of the empire had. Christianity is the most obvious influence, but there are many others from Syrian emperors of Rome to Oriental architecture, religious and intellectual ideas. Indeed, the story of Rome is more than anything else the story of a fascination for the East, one that amounted to an obsession. This book tells the story of how Near Eastern civilisation, most of all Christianity, came west to transform Europe.
Rome in the East presents a comprehensive and coherent study of the history, architecture and archaeology of the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, of Roman penetration beyond the frontiers, and of the ensuing interchange that brought about Rome's own transformation. Rome in the East is lavishly illustrated, including nearly two hundred photographs taken by the author himself.
Rome in the East provides a lavishly illustrated and arresting study of the influence of Near Eastern culture on the Roman world, which overturns received wisdom about Rome as the bastion of European culture.
Rome in the East presents a comprehensive and coherent study of the history, architecture and archaeology of the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, of Roman penetration beyond the frontiers, and of the ensuing interchange that brought about Rome's own transformation. Rome in the East is lavishly illustrated, including nearly two hundred photographs taken by the author himself.
Rome in the East provides a lavishly illustrated and arresting study of the influence of Near Eastern culture on the Roman world, which overturns received wisdom about Rome as the bastion of European culture.