Description: Der Band gibt einen Überblick über die Spätantikeforschung und beleuchtet insbesondere die Rolle der Religion für das ökonomische, gesellschaftliche und politische Leben. Sein Fazit: Die enormen Veränderungen dieser Zeit sind von grundlegender Bedeutung für die Welt von heute.
Review Quotes: "It is not a work of reference in the traditional sense: Rousseau compares it to a journey in the company of enthusiastic experts guiding the reader through their favourite areas. By including many younger contributors, and others in mid-career, enthusiasm, and a sense of the excitement of the (as yet) unexplored, are guaranteed...the Companion maintains a generally high level of expertise and informed analysis throughout: the contributors have been well chosen. Production and editing are excellent, and there is an intelligently constructed index...researchers and specialists cannot afford to neglect this richly rewarding book." (Bryn Mawr Classical Review, February, 2010)
"This is a feast of a volume, but it 'consolidates n academic field in its own right' (p. 12) rather than opening new horizons. That was Peter Brown's achievement." (Journal of Ecclesiastical History, April 2010)
"This companion digests the latest research, and is a worthwhile addition to any reference library."(CHOICE, 2009)
"Academics and researchers in any of the fields it covers will find this a valuable vade mecum to scholarly debate in both their own and peripheral subjects; undergraduates may use it selectively to enrich or clarify particular areas of study." (Reference Reviews, January 2010)