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Rome's Age of Revolution

Augustus, Empire and the Making of Christianity
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Rome's Age of Revolution

By: Tim Whitmarsh
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

How did Christianity, starting out as a minor offshoot of Judaism, grow into an international faith that shaped the world as we know it? Rome’s Age of Revolution corrects the triumphalist narrative that the Christian message was so persuasive, and indeed superior, that people converted in huge numbers, abandoning their pagan beliefs, thereby turning a small persecuted sect into the state religion of the Roman Empire.

Tim Whitmarsh shows that Christianity would never have succeeded if it had not taken advantage of the infrastructure and culture of the Roman Empire; in turn the new religion was indelibly shaped and transformed by Roman beliefs and ideas, especially those circulating in the Greek-speaking, or Hellenistic, eastern parts of the empire. This radical transformation, Tim argues, can only be described as a revolution. The consequences are with us to this day.

© Tim Whitmarsh 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 Ancient Christianity Religious Studies Rome

Critic Reviews

Dazzling. This thrilling and elegantly written book will change how you see Rome, and Christianity, for ever (Catherine Nixey, author of Heresy)
This remarkable book redefines early Christianity, finally situating its leaders, believers, and martyrs within rather than against the Roman Empire. More than persecution Rome provided the Jesus movement with the models, opportunities, and infrastructure it needed to thrive. A joy to read, it sparkles with new insights and ideas that challenge the reader to rethink Roman as well as Christian history. As they come closer together both Romans and Christians become stranger and more interesting (Josephine Quinn, author of How the World Made the West)
Nobody understands the psychology and ethnic complexity of late antiquity like Tim Whitmarsh. This riveting read offers incisive, nuanced and stylishly written explanations for the extraordinary and rapid spread of Christian beliefs throughout the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. A period of unprecedented intellectual and spiritual ferment that still has ramifications today is brought to vivid life. Essential reading (Edith Hall, author of Aristotle's Way)
Tim Whitmarsh's Rome's Age of Revolution locates early Christianity in its contexts of the Greek East, Augustus' revolution, and the early rule of the emperors. Written with style and wit, it makes us rethink everything we know about the rise of Christianity. Strikingly original, provocative and wonderfully enjoyable, it is one of the most important books on the ancient history in many years (Harry Sidebottom, author of Those Who Are About to Die)
This dazzling, refreshingly innovative book reframes the origins of Christianity through the cultural and political shockwaves of Augustan imperialism. With remarkable intellectual range, clarity, and verve, Whitmarsh shows how Greek-speaking eastern Roman Empire did not merely receive Christianity but actively forged its instincts, arguments, and ambitions – forever changing how we think about the entanglement of empire, culture and early Christianity (Candida Moss, author of God's Ghostwriters)
The intricate relationship between early Christianity, Greek culture and the Roman Empire, is expertly articulated in this thoughtful and beautifully written book. Full of new insights and careful in its treatment of difficult and ambiguous evidence, this book is powerful and fascinating throughout (Andrew Pettegree, author of The Book at War)
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