Conference by Peter Talloen (Bilkent University) at AKMED, Antalya, Türkiye: Rise of Christianity at Sagalassos

“The rise of Christianity"—understood here as its establishment as the dominant religion within a community and its confirmation through material remains—is generally viewed as the outcome of a cultural interaction process known as Christianization. Although the term “process” inherently implies gradual development, many historical sources describe events that suddenly and dramatically transform a community into a “city that loves Christ.”

Based on recent archaeological research at Sagalassos, located in southwestern Turkey, this lecture examines whether Christianization in this mid-sized provincial city in the Pisidian mountains was in fact a rapid transformation—one that could even be dated to a specific moment—or whether it was a complex evolution that took shape slowly over many years through negotiations and deliberate actions.
Ultimately, this study aims to shed light on the broader dynamics of religious change in Late Antiquity by investigating how the rise of Christianity in Sagalassos was reflected in the urban fabric and material culture.”

The event will be held in person and via Zoom

For more information https://akmed.ku.edu.tr/etkinlikler/?detail=true&id=65f314c8-6d53-4a32-af44-b02305b4191c