Religion in Late Roman Britain

Forces of Change

Author: Dorothy Watts

Religion in Late Roman Britain explores the changes in religion over the fourth century; the historical background for these changes and the forces which contributed to them.

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Summary

Religion in Late Roman Britain explores the changes in religion over the fourth century; the historical background for these changes and the forces which contributed to them.

Description

This text explores the changes in religion over the 4th century and the historical background for these changes and the forces which contributed to them. Dorothy Watts examines the reasons for the decline of Christianity and the continuation of the pagan, Celtic cults in Britain. She establishes a chronology for the rise and decline of Christianity, based on the available archaeological evidence, and she charts the fate of the pagan cults and temples in the 4th century. The book discusses the nature of Romano-British pagan religion and analyzes the controversial rite of decapitated burial in the light of some startling new archaeological evidence. Dr Watts argues that religion was a dynamic construct, responsive to external pressures and influences. The book presents an analysis of the religions in late Roman Britain.

Critic Reviews

"This is an important book with important things to say..." - Ancient, 98

'It deserves to be read with care as it is the result of considerable scholarship. I do not know of a better brief account.' - Martin Henig, The Antiquaries Journal

About the Author

Dr Dorothy Watts is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Classics and Ancient History, University of Queensland and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. She is the author of Christians and Pagans in Roman Britain (1991).