Religious Transformation in the City of Emesa, Syria: From Paganism to Christianity During the Roman and Early-Byzantine Periods | ||
| Shedet | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 28 September 2025 PDF (2.55 M) | ||
| Document Type: research articles | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/shedet.2025.392640.1307 | ||
| Author | ||
| MAAMOUN SALEH ABDULKARIM* | ||
| Department of History, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This paper examines the evolution of religious life in Emesa during Roman and early Byzantine times. It illustrates how the city's religious landscape changed from the worship of local gods, such as Elagabalus, to the general acceptance of Christianity in the fourth century AD. Examining the political and social factors that led to this transformation reveals a complex history of religious tolerance and struggle that ultimately allowed Christianity to flourish. The study stresses the significance of Emesa's religious and urban character in this remarkable transformation, as well as the influence of rising elites on these features. This paper bridges the gaps related to significant buildings, including the Temple of the Sun, by utilizing archaeological data and historical sources. It also shows how Christian churches evolved from pagan temples. Finally, this study clarifies the special situation of Emesa among other Eastern Roman cities, therefore improving our knowledge of the complex religious reform movement at this crucial point. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Roman Emesa; religious pluralism; paganism; early Christianity; history | ||
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