Augustus, Empire, and the Making of Christianity
Interview with Tim Whitmarsh about his book Rome’s Age of Revolution: Augustus, Empire, and the Making of Christianity. Argues that early Christianity was fundamentally shaped by the Roman Empire, which created the necessary framework for its flourishing. Describes the pivotal role of Roman roads – not just for infrastructure but for ideologically connecting the empire – and the term ‘the Way’ (hodos) used by early Christians. Explores paradoxes such as Augustus’s dual role as traditionalist and innovator, which found echoes in Christian narratives. Touches on the re-telling of saviour-child birth myths, the move away from Jewish roots, and the successful entrepreneurial institutionalisation of Christianity in the Greek-speaking East.
