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.