We know how the story of the Roman Empire ended with the ""triumph"" of Christianity and the eventual Christianization of the Roman Mediterranean. But how would religious life have appeared to an observer at a time when the conversion of the emperor was only a Christian pipe dream? And how would it have appeared in one particular city, rather than in the Roman Empire as a whole? This volume takes a detailed look at the religious dimension of life in one particular Roman city Caesarea Maritima, on the Mediterranean coast of Judea. Caesarea was marked by a complex religious identity from the outset. Over time, other religious groups, including Christianity, Mithraism and Samaritanism, found a home in the city, where they jostled with each other, and with those already present, for position, influence and the means of survival. Written by a team of seasoned scholars and promising newcomers, this book brings a new perspective to the study of religion in antiquity. Along with the deliberate goal to understand religion as an urban phenomenon, Religious Rivalries and the Struggle for Success in Caesarea Maritima studies religious groups as part of the dynamic process of social interaction, spanning a spectrum from coexistence, through competition and rivalry, to open conflict. The cumulative result is a fresh and fascinating look at one of antiquity's most interesting cities.

Table of Contents:
Religious Rivalries and the Struggle for Success in Caesara Maritima, edited by Terence L. Donaldson Preface Abbreviations Maps 1. Introduction Terence L. Donaldson EVIDENCE 2. Archaeological Evidence for Religion and Urbanism in Caesarea Maritima Peter Richardson, University of Toronto 3. A Literary Guide to Caesarea Maritima Lee A. Johnson, University of Toronto 4. Epigraphical Evidence in Caesarea Maritima Bradley H. McLean, University of Western Ontario 5. Archaeological Study of Caesarea Maritima: An Annotated Bibliography Elaine A. Myers, University of Toronto RELIGION 6. Greco-Roman Religion in Caesarea Maritima R. Jackson Painter, Alliance Biblical Seminary 7. Jews and Judaism in Caesarea Maritima Michele Murray, Bishop's University 8. Christianity in Caesarea Maritima Richard S. Ascough, Queen's University 9. Samaritanism in Caesarea Maritima Reinhard Pummer, University of Ottawa PERSPECTIVES 10. The Origins and Social Context of Mithraism at Caesarea Maritima R. Jackson Painter, Alliance Biblical Seminary 11. Ethnic and Political Factors in the Conflict at Caesarea Maritima John S. Kloppenborg, University of Toronto 12. The Conflict over Isopoliteia: An Alexandrian Perspective Dorothy I. Sly, University of Windsor 13. Architecture and Conflict in Caesarea Maritima Stephen Fai, Carleton University 14. Cornelius, the Roman Army and Religion Wendy Cotter, C.S.J., Loyoyla College of Chicago 15. Origen's Hexapla and Christian-Jewish Encounter in the Second and Third Centuries Ruth A. Clements, Hebrew University 16. Concluding Reflections Terence L. Donaldson, University of Toronto Works Cited Index of Ancient Texts Index of Modern Authors