Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
  1. Home
  2. Search

Refine search

Refine search

Access:
Content type:
Publication date:
Apply   From and To filters
Subject: Show more
Journals Show more
Publishers: Show more
Societies Show more
Series: Show more
Collections: Show more

Actions for selected content:

Select all | Deselect all
  • View selected items
  • Export citations
  • Download PDF (zip)
  • Save to Kindle
  • Save to Dropbox
  • Save to Google Drive

Save Search

You can save your searches here and later view and run them again in "My saved searches".

Please provide a title, maximum of 40 characters.
Cancel
×

1 results

  • Chapter 2 - The Christianisation of the Late Antique Letter-Form

  • Pauline Allen, University of Pretoria, Bronwen Neil, Macquarie University, Sydney
  • Book:
    Greek and Latin Letters in Late Antiquity
    Published online:
    05 September 2020
    Print publication:
    10 September 2020, pp 24-46

  • Summary

    In this chapter we consider the differences and similarities between Classical and Christian approaches to epistolarity in Late Antiquity, and the extent to which we can speak of the ‘Christianisation’ of the letter-form in that period. We provide a consideration of the materials and mechanics of letter-writing in Antiquity, including materials, length of letters, dictation, scribes, autograph, and signature. After an assessment of the ‘pagan-Christian divide’, we take cognisance of the tropes of the letter and how Christianity made its mark in this regard. Subsequently we discuss literary vs papyrological letters. Finally we look at the various modes of address used by pagans and Christians in their letters.