The Mystery of the Last Roman Pagans

Greco-Roman polytheism persisted for centuries after the triumph of Christianity, often in surprising places.

This video is an abridged version of a chapter in my book, "Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants." You can preview the full chapter on Amazon:

Chapters:
0:00 The spread of Christianity
1:17 Imperial persecution of Pagans
3:38 Pagans in the countryside
4:41 Pagans in the Near East
5:40 The conversion of temples
6:55 The persistence of pagan festivals

[alioshax]

Fun fact: Sin, the moon-god of Harran, was actually an insanely old deity, already venerated by the Akkadians in 2300 BCE (Sin was the main god of the ancient city of Ur). And technically, under an older, sumerian name, Nanna (just like one could say Zeus became Jupiter, although syncretism is not that simple, but still), the same moon-god was a major divinity of the Sumerian pantheon and we have evidences of it being venerated as early as 2800 BCE and probably even earlier.

That would make Sin's cult one of the longest lasting religions in known history, with 4, 000 years of attested cult, much longer than Islam (1400 years) Chirstianity (2000 years), Judaism (2800 to 3000 years) or even Hinduism (2800 to 3500 years) and Shinto (only attested since 700 BCE). All the dates I give are the ealiest attested proofs of the said cult, religions could be much older without us knowing it.

[M_Hoodh]

Your channel is the reason I am a walking library of amazingly interesting ancient info. Love your humor. Learning should be this fun always

[TetsuShima]

Christians before being legalized: "We only want a World in which Christ's justice and love rule us all..."
Christians after being legalized: "...AND THE SWORD HE BROUGHT SHALL MAKE SURE OF THAT!!!"

[Timodj]

Hey I have a question. How did they depict Ancient Rome in the Middle Ages? Between 800-1500 were there any depictions of Caesar or of any wars of the republic or early Roman Empire?

[generalfailure]

A nail tree – or in French: arbre à clous – is something you can encounter especially in Belgium and north of France. An old folk belief with roots in pre-Christian customs that by hammering a nail or a piece of cloth that has hit your sore tooth into the tree, you transfer the “evil tooth spirit” in your body to the tree

[WorshipperoftheOldGods]

Hail to the last of the Pagans before the modern era! There are those that remember you and aim to carry on your legacy. May you be with us.

[joeshmoe]

Really interesting stuff here big dog, thanks for sharing.

[diebesgrab]

“the days of the week [...] are named after the gods”

But which gods? What god would be hanging around Heathrow trying to catch the 3:37 to Oslo?

[Michael_the_Drunkard]

Harran is Carrhae, of you didn't know.

[TheSkelzore]

I love your channel, I'd also love to see you as a guest on forehead fables again. I think they secretly liked having you on the show.

[dragonrykr]

It's interesting how now in the 21st century we are experiencing a similar major event - the replacement of Christianity by Irreligion, in many places throughout the world. And it is also interesting how the older belief again remains stronger in the rural areas, while the urban ones are more eager to accept the new ways of thinking. Just how it was with Paganism vs Christianity a millenia ago, nowadays it is with Christianity and Irreligion.

[oh_no_martians]

I need to listen to “Songs for Pierre Chuvin” again

[Dehumanizer]

makes me wonder how much written records we have lost to time

[TetsuShima]

Pagans after being ilegalized: "Wait, didn't your God say that you have to love everyone without hesitation?" 😢
Theodosius: "I missed the part where that's my problem..."

[sarahsarah]

"Under new divine management" XD

[toprak]

Where do we can find the great art used in this video?

[james_giant_peach]

Are you the same guy from fire of learning?

[indiosveritas]

We still worship Saturnalia here in Ardmore, Oklahoma .
We get all kinky an sht . It's alot of fun.
Y'all drop by some time ! 🤠

[kirgan]

7:35 The days of the week (atlest in english) is not from the Greco-Roman pantheon, but of the Nord-Germanic pantheon.

[joecaner]

_"By the end of the 4th century, most Romans were Christians, "_
whether they wanted to be or not...
I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse.