Excellent4.8 out of 5On Trustpilot
  1. The Church/
  2. Church History

Arnobius of Sicca

Religious Conflict and Competition in the Age of Diocletian

by Michael Bland Simmons

  • Hardback
  • 406 pages
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • 14 x 21.6 x 2.7 cm

£226.93

Save 35% | Free UK Delivery

Available - Usually dispatched within 4 days

Buying for a school or church? Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account

For scholars and enthusiasts of early Christian history

Uncovers the complexities of Christian-pagan conflict

You will gain new insights into early Christian thought

This groundbreaking study explores Arnobius of Sicca's defence of Christianity in the face of pagan opposition.

Free delivery on orders over £10

Arnobius of Sicca, in North Africa, was a Christian convert writing in the time of the Emperor Diocletian in the 3rd sentury AD. His most famous work, Against the Pagans, was written shortly after his conversion (c. AD 302), and is a brilliant defence of his new religion using arguments taken from the cream of pagan learning. It demonstrates exactly the nature and intensity of the conflict between pagans and Christians at this period. This book is the first ever major study of Arnobius. It deals fully with every important aspect of his life and writing - from the complex and controversial question of the date of Against the Pagans, to the biographical data provided by Jerome, to the significance of the conflict between the African supreme deity, Saturn, and the Christian God. Dr Simmons provides clear evidence to show that Arnobius' work is directly related to the anti-Christian writings of the famous Porphyry of Tyre, demonstrating how Arnobius used one work of Porphyry against another to disclose inconsistencies and contradictions in the great pagan polymath - the very method used by Porphyry in his own treatise, Against the Christians.Dr Simmons discusses the philosophical background of Arnobius, arguing convincingly that he belonged to the Platonic, not Epicurean, school of thought as has often been alleged. Arnobius has hitherto been one of the most misinterpreted ancient authors. This book will set Arnobius firmly on the map as a writer of condsiderable interest and importance, who made a significant contribution to the final triumph of Christianity over its Graeco-Roman competitors.
Arnobius of Sicca and The Essential History of Christianity
The Essential History of ChristianityArnobius of Sicca

  • Author

    Michael Bland Simmons

  • Book Format

    Hardback

  • Publisher

    Oxford University Press

  • Published

    November 1995

  • Weight

    663g

  • Page Count

    406

  • Dimensions

    14 x 21.6 x 2.7 cm

  • ISBN

    9780198149132

  • ISBN-10

    0198149131

  • Eden Code

    1147094

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account
Write a review
      Ask a question