Reconfiguring Civic Identity and Civic Participation in a Christianizing World. The Case of Sixth-Century Arles

In sixth-century Arles, Christian identity and civic participation were redefined through the lens of ancient Roman terminology. This study reveals that Caesarius of Arles, a prominent bishop, employed Latin civic vocabulary—such as civis, civitas, and patria—but infused these terms with new Christian meanings, shaping civic life around religious values. The analysis of his sermons demonstrates how post-Roman authors maintained continuity in language while adapting its semantic content to reflect the evolving political and spiritual landscape of early medieval Europe. This research highlights the dynamic interplay between tradition and transformation during a pivotal period of societal change.

Rose, E. (2021). Reconfiguring Civic Identity and Civic Participation in a Christianizing World. The Case of Sixth-Century Arles. Civic Identity and Civic Participation in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, 271–294. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.celama-eb.5.123824