Classics Research Seminar: Roman Emperors and Religious Unity in the Mid-Third Century AD presented by Nicola Holm, MPhil confirmation.
Event Details
- Date:
- Friday, 28 August 2015
- Time:
- 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- Room:
- Room E303 Forgan Smith Building
- UQ Location:
- Forgan Smith Building (St Lucia)
- Event category(s):
Event Contact
- Name:
- Serena Bagley
- Phone:
- 52795
- Email:
- s.bagley@uq.edu.au
- Org. Unit:
- Historical and Philosophical Inquiry
Event Description
- Full Description:
- Several non-Christian emperors of the mid-third century AD (249-275) attempted to stabilise and unify the Roman Empire in a period of crisis through religious policies and reforms. Following periods of instability at Rome and within the provinces, these emperors turned to religious unity as a vehicle for consolidating not only their position of power, but also the empire at large. The emperors examined in this case study are Decius (249-251), Valerian (253-260), and Aurelian (270-275). These men promoted religious unity in a number of ways and with varying levels of success. It will be argued that the policies promulgated by each of these emperors were heavily influenced by changes, or returns to traditional religious practices. As a result of the surviving Christian literature, all three of these men have been labelled as persecutors for their approaches to religious unity. Decius became infamous for insisting on a universal sacrifice to the established Roman gods in a bid to emulate the actions of his predecessors, and for the legitimisation of his regime. However, Valerian introduced legislation aimed at destabilising the Christian hierarchy, ordering them to worship the traditional Roman gods, or face harsh penalties – including death. In a period of military crisis, Christians were a viable scapegoat. Finally, Aurelian sought to enhance traditional state institutions for religious worship through a new cult of Sol, including the foundation of a temple at Rome, and the introduction of a new senatorial priesthood.
Directions to UQ
- Google Map:
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- Directions:
- St Lucia Campus | Gatton campus.
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