Abstract
This paper presents a case-study of Christian clergy in the middle-Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus in the transitional period from mid-third to late fourth century, based on literary and documentary (papyrological) sources. Whereas in literary texts members of the clergy, mainly bishops, usually appear in connection with heresiological disputes, documentary papyri frequently show them 'beyond duty', for example engaged in business or travel. The papyri widen our historical understanding by preserving data on lower-ranking religious specialists, such as presbyters, readers, nuns and monks, who would otherwise remain quite unknown. They also provide evidence for the extension of the Christian order into the agrarian hinterland of the city.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Beyond Priesthood |
Subtitle of host publication | Religious Entrepreneurs and Innovators in the Roman Empire |
Publisher | de Gruyter |
Pages | 103-126 |
Number of pages | 24 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783110448184 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783110447019 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 21 2017 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Arts and Humanities(all)