"A fresh view of Christian Church history through its first 500 years. . . . [Fredriksen's] thoroughness as a researcher and the breadth of her lifelong experience make this book a welcomed addition to this field of study."-- "Choice Reviews"

"A wonderfully accessible teaching resource."---Salvador Ryan, Irish Theological Quarterly

"Ancient Christianities is exactly the kind of general account of the early Christian centuries that we would expect from Paula Fredriksen: elegantly written, theologically rich, socially nuanced."---Dana Robinson, American Historical Review

"A masterwork of scholarly research and thought. . . . Fredriksen makes a convincing case that, whether for good or ill, these multifarious, deeply felt and often admirable 'Christianities' would never have become the global institution we now call 'Christianity' were it not for the help -- and the legalistic, organizational example -- of the Roman Empire."---Michael Dirda, Washington Post

"Ancient Christianities has manifold virtues - not least its exemplary clarity of exposition and its impressive synthesis of a broad spectrum of recent specialist scholarship. . . .An admirable introduction to a range of essential aspects of the movements invoking Jesus."---Rowan Williams, Times Literary Supplement

"A well-researched, engrossing read that demonstrates why the Jewish and Christian communities went their separate ways and how Christianity not only became a spiritual practice but also a political force."-- "Library Journal"

"Precisely written. . . .Unique and rich in history."---Kimberly Anne, World History Encyclopedia

"Comprehensive. . . . From the question of religious diversity and perspectives on martyrdom, to religion as organised within Empire, Fredriksen skilfully condenses half a millennia of religious activity into an examination of the quickly changing human tapestry at the core of early life."---Megan Hughes, Redbrick Culture

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A masterpiece of biblical, apocryphal, andRoman research and scholarship into the history and development of the Christian movement from many different competing factions. . . . Exceptionally and impressively comprehensive.

"Refreshing. . . . [Ancient Christianities] is inquiry-driven and reflective, concise but reasonably comprehensive; that neither presupposes a great deal of background knowledge nor sacrifices significant details, and, most importantly, frames the conversation to allow for an open dialogue about matters that may be sensitive."---Yuliya Minets, Catholic Historical Review

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Fredriksen's book offers an updated, engaging, and essential summary account of the history of early Christianities for scholars, teachers, and students.

"Ancient Christianities strikes a balance between scholarly depth and accessibility and will undoubtedly become an essential text for those teaching or engaging with the history of early Christianity."---Joseph Foltz, Ancient Jew Review

"An important publication by one of the most prolific and influential scholars in the field. In a surprisingly small space, she gives an impressive overview of the development of early Christianity up to the end of the sixth century. The book is an enjoyable read, written in an enticing style. . . . The allure of the language and the cogency and breadth of the arguments put forward make it essential reading for scholars of the early Christ religion, Christendom, Judaic studies, the history of the ancient Greco-Roman world, historians of religion in general, as well as the intellectual public."---Anders Klostergaard Petersen, Numen