History & Area Studies / Thematic History / Political & Institutional History
How Exiled Bishops Rewrote History: The Power of 'Flight' in Late Antiquity
Bishops in Flight: Exile and Displacement in Late Antiquity
In this video, we dive into Jennifer Barry's groundbreaking book, *Bishops in Flight: Exile and Displacement in Late Antiquity*. Discover how 4th and 5th-century Christian bishops turned the shame of exile into a badge of honor, redefining 'flight' as a holy retreat. From Athanasius framing the desert as a pure utopia to John Chrysostom's dramatic posthumous revenge through gruesome tales, we uncover the rhetorical war that shaped orthodox Christianity. Learn how space, memory, and power were twisted to create lasting legends—and why the winners got to write history. This is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by ancient politics, religion, and the art of spin.
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