The era of late antiquity—from the middle of the third century to the end of the eighth—was marked by the rise of two world religions, unprecedented political upheavals that remade the map of the known world, and the creation of art of enduring glory. In these eleven in-depth essays, drawn from the award-winning reference work Late Antiquity: A Guide to the Postclassical World, an international cast of experts provides essential information and fresh perspectives on this period's culture and history.

Instead of relegating the late antiquity to the Gibbonian category of "Decline and Fall," the authors contributing to the present volume successfully attempt to consider this period in its own terms and without preconceived notions or value judgments, that is, as a time of monumental change, destruction, and reconstruction...This collection of essays truly brings to life the world of late antiquity in multiple fashions. The authors look both at East and West, they compare and contrast the role of Christianity and the role of the pagan religions. Their investigations rely not only on historical data, but also draw from recent research in archeology, art history, anthropology, and theology...All authors demonstrate a solid familiarity with most recent, especially international research.
-- Albrecht Classen Studi Medievali