The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity

Join a historically focused discussion of the dramatic interaction between Judaism, Christianity, and paganism presented by an award-winning teacher, classical scholar, and one of the most esteemed historians at The Great Courses.

Overview

Course No. 3466

Professor Harl’s 24-lecture course examines the religious transformation of Rome through:

• Nero’s persecutions to Constantine’s conversion
• The clash between imperial cults and Christian theology
• Key figures like Origen, Julian the Apostate, and Theodosius
• How asceticism and monasticism reshaped Roman society

From mystery cults to Nicene orthodoxy, trace how Christianity became Europe’s dominant faith between the 1st-6th centuries.

Video Lectures

Part 1: Roman Religious Landscape

1-6. Pagan Foundations (30-32 min)
Imperial cults, mystery religions, Stoic philosophy.

7-12. Early Christian Challenges (30-32 min)
Paul’s missions, persecutions, Clement’s theology.

Part 2: Imperial Turning Points

13-18. Crisis and Conversion (31-33 min)
Diocletian’s reforms, Constantine’s vision, Nicene councils.

Part 3: Christian Dominance

19-24. Triumph and Transformation (31-35 min)
Julian’s pagan revival, Theodosian laws, Justinian’s purge.