The Darkening Age

A bold new history of the rise of Christianity, showing how its radical followers ravaged vast swathes of classical culture, plunging the world into an era of dogma and intellectual darkness.

The Romans had been generous in embracing and absorbing new creeds. But once Christianity became the religion of empire everything changed. Its fanatical adherents set about the destruction of the old gods, demolishing temples, smashing altars, hacking statues to pieces and burning books.

Taking readers to the great cities of the ancient world and with a remarkable cast of scholars, zealots, martyrs and demons, The Darkening Age is a wrenching and utterly gripping account of centuries of obliteration.

'Clever and compelling . . . Readers raised in the milky Anglican tradition will be surprised to learn of the savagery of the early saints and their sledgehammer-swinging followers.' Spectator

'Nixey has a great story to tell, and she tells it exceptionally well. She has an expert eye for arresting details, and brings characters and scenarios to life without disguising anything of the strangeness of the world she describes.' Guardian

'A delightful book about destruction and despair. Nixey combines the authority of a serious academic with the expressive style of a good journalist. She's not afraid to throw in the odd joke amid sombre tales of desecration. With considerable courage, she challenges the wisdom of history and manages to prevail.' The Times

'Vivid and important . . . Nixey is a funny, lively, readable guide through this dark world of religious oppression.' Emily Wilson, New Statesman