Full Description
In this fascinating book, Jason Borges offers an original and engaging analysis of life in Greco-Roman cities as seen through its public buildings. Drawing on primary sources and archeological evidence, he explores how seven key civic structures--the agora, temple, bath, prison, theater, library, and cemetery--shaped the lives, writings, and theology of early Christians.
From lively agoras to magnificent temples and luxurious baths, civic buildings were more than just physical settings for everyday life; they were spaces imbued with social and political meaning. Informed by the author's research and his experience leading tours to ancient sites, this book explores how early Christians interacted with and understood their urban environment. The result is fresh insight into the cultural background of the New Testament and other early Christian writings. Each chapter explains a specific structure, provides an extant example, and discusses its significance for reading the New Testament. The book includes black and white images, informative diagrams, and a foreword by David A. deSilva.
This helpful supplementary textbook illuminates the architectural and civic background of the New Testament and early Christianity so that readers can better understand the writings and theology of early Christians.
Contents
Foreword, by David A. deSilva
1. Introduction: The Ancient City
Ancient Cities
Ancient Civic Structures
Plan for This Book
2. Agora
The Ancient Town Square
The Athenian Agora
Early Christians in the Agora
3. Temple
Greco-Roman Temples
The Temple of Augustus in Pisidian Antioch
Early Christians and Temples
4. Baths
Roman Public Baths
The Baths of Caracalla in Rome
Early Christians and Public Bathing
5. Prisons
Roman Prisons
The Mamertine Prison in Rome
Early Christians and Prison
6. Theater
Greco-Roman Entertainment Venues
The Theater in Ephesus
Early Christians in Public Entertainment Venues
7. Library
The Ancient Library
The Library at Pergamon
Early Christian Books and Libraries
8. Necropolis
The Ancient Cemetery
The Necropolis at Hierapolis
Christian Burial Customs
9. Conclusion: A New City
A New Physical City
A New Heavenly City
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Historical Periods
Appendix 2: Glossary
Indexes
