Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/archeology
Coursera courses often promise to deepen our understanding of complex subjects, and the MOOC ‘A l’avènement du christianisme : l’archéologie des derniers païens’ (The Advent of Christianity: The Archaeology of the Last Pagans) certainly delivers on this front. This course, taught in French, offers a fascinating and nuanced perspective on the relationship between pagans and Christians in Late Antiquity, primarily through the lens of archaeological evidence.
Often, historical narratives focus on the conflict and confrontation between these groups, drawing heavily from the writings of church historians. However, this course challenges that prevailing view, suggesting that such conflict was more the exception than the norm. By delving into archaeological findings, we gain a more differentiated understanding of this pivotal period.
The syllabus is meticulously structured, beginning with a strong foundation in the historical and philosophical context of Late Antiquity. We are introduced to key texts and events that shaped the advent of Christianity. Subsequent modules explore various facets of pagan and Christian coexistence and transformation.
‘Images and Gods’ examines the semantic shifts in traditional imagery and how Christians reinterpreted them. The cult of Mithra and the initial conception of Constantinople as a city are also explored, providing critical distance from assumptions about the impermeability of pagan and Christian spheres.
The ‘Architecture: Temples and Villas’ module debunks the simplistic image of Christians destroying temples. Instead, it reveals instances of temple repurposing into churches and the gradual, rather than abrupt, Christianization of urban public functions. The Christianization of rural areas, using Attica as a case study, is also presented.
‘Sculpture’ addresses the destruction and desecration of ancient statues, but crucially, archaeological evidence shows this was not widespread. Many sculptures remained visible, were restored, and even repurposed in cultic contexts. This module offers a more complex picture of the fate of ancient statuary.
‘Mosaics’ delves into private life during Late Antiquity, showcasing the persistence of Greco-Roman myths and culture within a Christianized empire. Case studies on Dionysus, divine loves, the Seven Sages, and Achilles highlight the rich visual culture and its varied interpretations.
The ‘Numismatics’ module demonstrates the value of coin studies in archaeological investigation, using the first cathedral of Geneva as an example. It traces monetary evolution, economic stability strategies, and the development of iconography, particularly with Constantine.
Finally, ‘The Landscape in Geneva’ provides a specific case study of urban and rural landscape transformations in Late Antiquity. The development of the episcopal complex in Geneva, the repurposing of necropolises for churches, and the persistence of pagan traditions are all examined.
Overall, ‘A l’avènement du christianisme : l’archéologie des derniers païens’ is an exceptional course for anyone interested in the transition from paganism to Christianity. Its reliance on archaeological evidence provides a fresh and often surprising perspective, moving beyond simplistic narratives of conflict. The detailed syllabus and engaging content make it a highly recommended exploration of a complex historical period. While the course is in French, the visual materials and the clarity of the presentation make it accessible even to those with intermediate French skills.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/archeology