Ellen Muehlberger

Ellen Muehlberger, a Professor of History at the University of Michigan, explores the intimate knowledge ancient peoples had of one another in her new work. She discusses how public culture and rituals reinforced Christian power in late antiquity, and examines the social dynamics behind classroom role-playing and male dominance. Muehlberger tackles fascinating concepts like the 'Superfather' in early church authority, and how crowd surveillance served as evidence of belief, while also emphasizing the challenges and joys of presenting historical narratives.

Ellen Muehlberger, a Professor of History at the University of Michigan and editor of The Journal of Early Christian Studies, dives deep into knowledge and evidence in late antiquity. She explores how ancient people understood one another, revealing surprising parallels to modern knowledge. Muehlberger discusses ancient rhetorical exercises, the impact of space on Christian identity, and how cultural priorities are reflected in church councils. She also highlights the role of context in understanding artifacts like Fayoum portraits, advocating for interdisciplinary and accessible scholarship.

Ellen Muehlberger, a Professor of History at the University of Michigan, dives into fascinating discussions about how ancient people understood knowledge and identity. She examines how bodies served as evidence in recognizing individuals and challenges how pedagogy shaped notions of women in the late ancient world. Muehlberger also discusses the role of councils in revealing power dynamics, the significance of Fayoum portraits, and the interplay between authority and forged texts. Her insights bridge ancient perspectives with modern understanding, making knowledge approachable for all.