This book focuses on a simple dynamic: the taking in hand of a
heritage, the variety of changes induced within it, and the handing
on of that legacy to new generations. Our contributors suggest,
from different standpoints, that this dynamic represented the
essence of 'late antiquity'. As Roman society, and the societies by
which it was immediately bounded, continued to develop, through to
the late sixth and early seventh centuries, the interplay between
what needed to be treasured and what needed to be explored became
increasingly self-conscious, versatile, and enriched. By the time
formerly alien peoples had established their 'post-classical'
polities, and Islam began to stir in the East, the novelties were
more clearly seen, if not always welcomed; and one witnesses a
stronger will to maintain the momentum of change, of a forward
reach. At the same time, those in a position to play now the role
of heirs were well able to appreciate how suited to their needs the
'Roman' past might be, but how, by taking it up in their turn, they
were more securely defined and yet more creatively advantaged.
'Transformation' is a notion apposite to essays in honour of Peter
Brown. 'The transformation of the classical heritage' is a theme to
which he has devoted, and continues to devote, much energy. All the
essays here in some way explore this notion of transformation; the
late antique ability to turn the past to new uses, and to set its
wealth of principle and insight to work in new settings. To begin,
there is the very notion of what it meant to be 'Roman', and how
that notion changed. Subsequent chapters suggest ways in which
fundamental characteristics of Roman society were given new form,
not least under the impact of a Christian polity. Augustine,
naturally, finds his place; and here the emphasis is on the
unfettered stance that he took in the face of more broadly held
convictions - on miracles, for example, and the errors of the pagan
past. The discussion then moves on to
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