Paganism and Christianity in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries is a scholarly book written by Ramsay MacMullen, a historian and classical scholar. It was first published in 1997 and is a continuation of his earlier work, "Paganism in the Roman Empire" which covers the period of the Roman Empire. In this book, MacMullen continues to examine the various forms of paganism and Christianity in the fourth to eighth centuries AD.
In this book, MacMullen argues that paganism did not disappear quickly after the fall of the Roman Empire and that it continued to exist and interact with Christianity for several centuries. He examines the ways in which Christianity adapted to and borrowed from the existing pagan religious practices and beliefs, and how it was able to attract converts from both pagans and Jews.
He also examines the role of the state and the Church in the suppression of paganism and the ways in which Christianity was able to establish itself as the dominant religion in the Western World. He also examines the reasons for the decline of paganism and the eventual triumph of Christianity.
The book also covers the social and economic factors that contributed to the decline of paganism and the rise of Christianity, such as the decline of the Roman Empire, the emergence of a new class of wealthy, educated and influential people, and the decline of traditional forms of religion.
Paganism and Christianity in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries is a highly detailed and well-researched book that provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. It is intended for scholars, students, and researchers in the field of ancient history and religious studies, and provides valuable insights into the complex nature of paganism and Christianity in the fourth to eighth centuries AD.