Basil of Caesarea, his brother Gregory of Nyssa, and their
friend Gregory of Nazianzus were prominent churchmen in Roman
Cappadocia during the later fourth century. Because of their
reputations as distinguished theologians, they are now known as the
Cappadocian Fathers. Recent research on Roman families and
friendships has been revitalized through the use of comparative
demography, Roman law, and gender studies, and the extensive
writings of the Cappadocian Fathers offer a rare opportunity for a
close investigation of two provincial families side by side. By
examining their relationships as sons, brothers, uncles, and mutual
friends, "Families and Friends in Late Roman Cappadocia" combines
patristic studies and ecclesiastical history with cultural studies
and the history of the family.None of the Cappadocian Fathers
became a parent. But as sons they had to cope with their different
feelings about their fathers, one who died comparatively young, the
other who lived much longer than expected. Since at the same time
they were formulating their doctrines about God the Father and
Jesus Christ the Son, Raymond Van Dam considers whether their
personal experiences might have influenced their theology. The
mothers in both families were influential figures, one because of
her close emotional bond with her children, the other because she
controlled the family's patrimony. Macrina, the famous sister of
Basil and Gregory of Nyssa, was noted for her ascetic piety. Yet
these women are known almost exclusively through texts composed by
their sons or brothers. Narrating the lives of women was a
rhetorical strategy for men to reflect on themselves and their own
concerns.Friendships were a form of self-representation, too, and
in choosing their friends Basil and Gregory of Nazianzus were at
the same time fashioning personal identities. At one time, their
own friendship had reflected their mutual delight in classical
culture. After they became churchmen, however, their friendship
collapsed. At the end of his life, Gregory still cried when he
thought about Basil. Their friendship had been one of the great
love stories of the fourth century.
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