James Corke-Webster

In this discussion, Candida Moss, an expert in early Christianity, James Corke-Webster, a historian specializing in classics, and Kate Cooper, a historian focusing on Christianity's spread, unravel the intricate narratives of early Christian martyrdom. They delve into Eusebius’s influential writings and how they defined martyrdom's meaning post-persecution. The conversation also covers the brave stories of martyrs like Perpetua and Blandina, revealing how these accounts shaped Christian identity and highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women in early martyrdom narratives.

Join experts James Corke-Webster, a Classicist, and Lea Niccolai, a scholar in Christianity and philosophy, as they delve into the life of Julian the Apostate, the last pagan Roman emperor. They discuss Julian's audacious attempts to revive paganism in a predominantly Christian empire and his philosophical evolution influenced by Neoplatonism. The conversation highlights his military exploits, his satirical writings, and the lasting legacy of his complex reign amid ideological battles that shaped the Roman world.