JK

PREMODERN 12 WEEK

Primary Sources

1. Maccabees

  • Themes: Jewish rebellion, resistance to Hellenization, and fight for religious freedom.

  • Historical Context: Written during the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE); a period of Jewish resistance against the Seleucid Empire.

  • Key Points:

    • Leadership of the Maccabees.

    • Antiochus IV Epiphanes' oppression.

    • Significance of Hanukkah.

2. 1 Thessalonians

  • Themes: Early Christian beliefs, encouragement, and moral guidance.

  • Historical Context: One of Paul’s letters (around 50 CE) to the Christian community in Thessalonica.

  • Key Points:

    • Concepts of the second coming of Christ.

    • Ethics of Christian life.

    • Strengthening of faith.

3. Livy, The Early History of Rome

  • Themes: Founding myths of Rome, Roman values, and civic virtues.

  • Historical Context: Written by Livy during the Augustan Age (27 BCE – 14 CE).

  • Key Points:

    • Stories of Romulus and Remus.

    • Early kings.

    • Virtues of early Romans and Rome’s growth from a small city to a powerful entity.

4. Tacitus, Speech by Emperor Claudius

  • Themes: Expansion of Roman citizenship and governance.

  • Historical Context: Speech given by Claudius in 48 CE, advocating for the inclusion of Gauls in the Roman Senate.

  • Key Points:

    • Roman policies of inclusion.

    • Claudius’s views on assimilation.

    • Role of citizenship in empire-building.

5. Jordanes, The Origin and Deeds of the Goths

  • Themes: History of the Goths and interactions with the Roman Empire.

  • Historical Context: Written in the 6th century by Jordanes, a historian with Gothic origins.

  • Key Points:

    • Migration and settlement of the Goths.

    • Conflicts with Rome.

    • Decline of the Western Roman Empire.

6. Karnamik-i-Ardashir

  • Themes: Sasanian imperial ideology and Zoroastrian religion.

  • Historical Context: A Middle Persian text detailing the achievements of Ardashir I, founder of the Sasanian Empire.

  • Key Points:

    • Establishment of the Sasanian Empire.

    • Zoroastrian influence.

    • Statecraft in ancient Persia.

Hellenism

  • Definition: Cultural and historical period characterized by the spread of Greek culture following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

  • Influence on Art and Architecture: Integration of Greek styles in various art forms across the Mediterranean and Near East.

  • Philosophy and Science: Promotion of philosophical thought (e.g., Stoicism, Epicureanism) and scientific inquiry in cities like Alexandria.

  • Religious Syncretism: Blending of Greek deities with local religions, leading to new cultural practices.

Seleucids

  • Dynasty: Established by Seleucus I Nicator, ruled over a vast Near Eastern empire from 312 BCE.

  • Cultural Policies: Promoted Hellenistic culture through Greek settlements and language.

  • Political Challenges: Faced resistance from local populations including the Parthians and Romans.

  • Decline: Weakened due to internal strife and external pressures, leading to fragmentation.

Maccabean Revolt

  • Background: Jewish uprising (167-160 BCE) against the Seleucid Empire due to religious persecution.

  • Key Figures: Led by the Maccabee family; Judah Maccabee became a symbol of resistance.

  • Outcome: Established the Hasmonean dynasty; period of Jewish autonomy celebrated during Hanukkah.

  • Historical Significance: A pivotal moment in Jewish history underscoring the importance of religious freedom.

Paul of Tarsus

  • Early Life: Born as Saul in Tarsus, a Roman citizen and Pharisee, initially persecuting Christians.

  • Conversion: Experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.

  • Epistles: Authored several New Testament letters shaping early Christian theology.

  • Missionary Journeys: Established Christian communities across the Mediterranean.

Mythical Figures

Romulus

  • Legendary Founder: Credited as Rome's founder in 753 BCE, known for the story of his miraculous birth and upbringing by a she-wolf.

  • Cultural Symbol: Represents Roman virtues, strength, and leadership, influencing political structures in Rome.

Hannibal

  • Carthaginian General: Famous for his tactical genius, especially during the Second Punic War against Rome.

  • Military Tactics: Known for innovative strategies, achieving significant victories such as at the Battle of Cannae.

Augustus/Octavian

  • First Roman Emperor: Key figure in transitioning from the Roman Republic to Empire after defeating Antony and Cleopatra.

  • Pax Romana: His reign ushered in a period of peace and cultural flourishing.

Roman Citizenship

  • Definition: Legal status in Rome that conferred rights and obligations.

  • Expansion: Gradually extended to provinces, enhancing Roman governance.

  • Cultural Identity: Fostered loyalty in the diverse empire.

Diocletian

  • Emperor (284-305 CE): Rose to power amid crisis, implementing reforms for stabilization.

  • Tetrarchy: Divided the empire into four regions for better governance.

  • Economic Reforms: Introduced price controls, though difficult to enforce.

Constantine

  • Emperor (306-337 CE): Played a pivotal role in establishing Christianity's prominence in the Roman world.

  • Edict of Milan (313 CE): Ended Christian persecution, allowing religious freedom.

  • Constantinople: Founded new capital strategically located for trade.

Orthodoxy

  • Definition: Adherence to accepted religious norms, particularly in Christianity.

  • Development: Emerged from theological debates, solidified through councils.

Heresy

  • Definition: Deviation from accepted doctrine.

  • Impact on Society: Led to the formation of various sects within Christianity and shaped theological discussions.

Arianism

  • Controversy: Denied the full divinity of Christ; led to significant debate within the early church.

  • Council of Nicaea (325 CE): Addressed Arianism affirming the Nicene Creed.

Goths

  • Tribes: Played a crucial role in the decline of the Roman Empire through migrations and invasions.

  • Cultural Impact: Contributed to post-Roman cultural developments.

Valens

  • Emperor (364-378 CE): Ruled over Eastern Roman Empire, faced military challenges including the Goths.

Punic Wars

  • Series of Conflicts: Three wars between Rome and Carthage pivotal to Roman dominance.

Byzantines

  • Empire’s Legacy: Preserved Roman and Greek traditions post-Western Empire fall.

Justinian

  • Emperor (527-565 CE): Known for legal reforms and military campaigns; sought to restore the empire's glory.

Mohammed

  • Prophet of Islam: Born in Mecca; regarded as the final prophet, through whom the Qur’an was revealed.

  • Legacy: Unified the Arabian Peninsula under Islam.

Sasanian Persians

  • Dynasty (224-651 CE): Known for cultural achievements and conflicts with the Roman Empire.

Alaric

  • Visigoth King: Known for leading the sack of Rome in 410 CE.

Zoroastrianism

  • Ancient Religion: One of the oldest faiths, significant influence on other religions.

Qur’an

  • Islamic Holy Book: Comprises divine revelations to Mohammed, revered in Islamic practice.

Hijra

  • Significant Migration: Muhammad’s move to Medina marking the start of the Islamic calendar.

Mecca

  • Holy City: Birthplace of Muhammad, central to Islamic worship.

Medina

  • Second Holiest City: Site of Muhammad’s first mosque; pivotal in early Islamic community.

Ramadan

  • Month of Fasting: Observed by Muslims to foster self-discipline and empathy.

Dhimmi

  • Protected Peoples: Non-Muslims under Islamic rule, afforded certain rights.

Caliph

  • Leader: Successor to Muhammad, governing and upholding Islamic law.

Umayyads

  • First Islamic Dynasty: Known for significant expansion and centralized administration.