Details
The main focus of much modern scholarship on the end of paganism in the West has been on its supposed stubborn resistance to Christianity. This dismantling of this romantic myth is one of the main goals of Alan Cameron's book. Its subject is not the conversion of the last pagans but rather the duration, nature and consequences of their survival. By re-examining the abundant textual evidence, both Christian and "pagan", as well as the visual evidence Cameron shows that most of the activities previously identified as hallmarks of a pagan revival were in fact just as important to the life of cultivated Christians. Far from being a subversive activity designed to rally pagans, the acceptance of classical literature, learning and art by most elite Christians may actually have helped the last reluctant pagans to finally abandon the old cults and adopt Christianity.