Pagan and Christian - (Debates in Archaeology) by David Petts (Paperback)

About the Book

A study of conversion to Christianity in the early medieval world which explores in particular the relationship between archaeology and belief and an attempt to re-centre the 'pagan' as a key element in the conversion process.

Book Synopsis

The conversion to Christianity was a key cultural process that saw the transformation of Europe from classical to medieval world. The growth of the Church has been closely linked with the development of other key institutions, such as the state. It has also been highlighted as a factor in changing attitudes to issues such as the body, time and landscapes. While the study of conversion in the early medieval world has increasingly become a focus for both historians and archaeologists, there has been a lack of engagement with the methodological and theoretical problems underpinning any attempt to explore the archaeology of belief. This book, illustrated with case studies and examples drawn from a range of sources, including the 'Celtic' west, Anglo-Saxon England, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, tackles some of these important issues. In particular it explores two under-theorised aspects of conversion: the relationship between archaeology and belief, and an attempt to re-centre the 'pagan' as a key element in the conversion process.

Review Quotes

"This slim book successfully invites us to reflect on how we approach the study of religious belief and change with specific reference to the unique and highly significant circumstances of early medieval Europe . . . I like this book and will use it with my students, because it offers a well-reasoned critique and a persuasive way of (re)looking that can be considered across Europe, and it draws on a good range of supporting examples." --Sally Foster, University of Aberdeen, Medieval Archaeology

"This book would be a useful addition to any reading list for courses and modules dealing with conversion in the early Middle Ages." --Alex Woolf, University of St Andrews, UK, Early Medieval Europe

About the Author

David Petts is Lecturer in Archaeology, University of Durham, UK.