The Dominion of the Dead: Power Dynamics and the Construction of Christian Cultural Memory at the Fourth-Century Martyr Shrine
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The Dominion of the Dead: Power Dynamics and the Construction of Christian Cultural Memory at the Fourth-Century Martyr Shrine by Nathaniel J. Morehouse A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Religion University of Manitoba Winnipeg Copyright © 2012 Nathaniel J. Morehouse P a g e | ii Abstract This thesis is aimed at addressing a lacuna in previous scholarship on the development of the martyr cult in the pivotal fourth century. Recent work on the martyr cult has avoided a diachronic approach to the topic. Consequently through their synchronic approach, issues of the early fifth century have been conflated and presented alongside those from the early fourth, with little discussion of the development of the martyr cult during the intervening decades. One aim of this work is to address the progression of the martyr cult from its pre-Christian origins through its adaptations in the fourth and early fifth century. Through a discussion of power dynamics with a critical eye towards the political situation of various influential figures in the fourth and early fifth centuries, this thesis demonstrates the ways in which Constantine, Damasus, Ambrose, Augustine, and others sought to craft cultural memory around the martyr shrine. Many of them did this through the erection of structures over pre-existing graves. Others made deliberate choices as to which martyrs to commemorate. Some utilized the dissemination of the saints’ relics as a means to expanding their own influence. Finally several sought to govern which behaviours were acceptable at the martyrs’ feasts. In nearly every instance these choices these men advanced their own agendas. In many cases the martyr cult was a decisive tool for the augmentation and solidification of civil and religious authority. Despite their goals these men were unable to create the uniformity they desired within the martyr cult. The meaning associated with the graves of the saints could never be determined unidirectionally. Meaning and the power to influence others through the martyr cult was the product of a dialogue. That dialogue included the leaders and the laity in the Christian community as well as a new group: pilgrims. Pilgrimage created a network within Christianity which ultimately led to a catholic Christian cultural memory surrounding the martyrs’ graves. This homogenized understanding of the martyr cult enabled it to become one of the most identifiable features of Christianity in subsequent centuries. P a g e | iii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Heidi Marx-Wolf, for the generous contribution of her time. She read and re-read chapter drafts, providing guidance at a time when she could easily have turned her attention to more important matters. I would like to thank the members of my committee, Dr. Dawne McCance, and Dr. Roisin Cossar. I would also like to thank my external reader, Dr. Willi Braun, for adding this work to what I understand was an already busy summer schedule. This work has been assisted by the generous support of the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship. Dr. David Brakke charitably heard my appeal for his help with translations of Shenoute’s Since it Behoves Christians from the Coptic original. This was in no way part of his job description, as I am not one of his students or have ever been affiliated with his university. I am humbled by his generosity. I would also like to thank my friends and family who have supported me during this long, and occasionally turbulent, process. The support of my parents David and Claire Morehouse has allowed me to study and work on material which I am sure was nowhere in their mind when they sent me off to college. Dr. T. Nicole Goulet’s encouragement and sympathetic ear have been most appreciated (as well as the use of her couch when I have returned to Winnipeg). Finally, Amanda Cobes, I cannot ever thank you enough. Thank you for moving to Winnipeg for my academic hubris, and for supporting me fiscally and emotionally after our return. You have reassured me when I needed it, and given me the time and motivation to write when I might have wanted to do anything else. It is in no way an understatement to say that I would not have been able to do this without you. P a g e | iv Table of Contents Copyright © 2012 Nathaniel J. Morehouse ...................................................................................... i Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ ii Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ iv Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter One: To Begin .................................................................................................................. 27 Romans and the Afterlife: An afterlife of Memory .................................................................... 30 Monuments ................................................................................................................................ 38 The Foundations, Roman Burial ................................................................................................ 43 Monuments to the Important Dead ............................................................................................ 46 Who Cares for the Dead? ........................................................................................................... 48 Family .................................................................................................................................... 48 Voluntary Associations ........................................................................................................... 50 Christian Differentiation, Isolation, Self-expression ................................................................. 55 The Origins of Christian Burial ................................................................................................. 57 Christianity as a Voluntary Association ..................................................................................... 59 The Burial of the Important Dead .............................................................................................. 62 Burial of the Poor ....................................................................................................................... 67 Koimaterion Debate ................................................................................................................... 70 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 76 Chapter Two: To Build Up ............................................................................................................ 79 Constantine ................................................................................................................................ 85 Damasus ..................................................................................................................................... 99 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 118 Chapter Three: To Control ........................................................................................................... 122 Ambrose of Milan .................................................................................................................... 127 Augustine of Hippo .................................................................................................................. 150 Paulinus of Nola ....................................................................................................................... 165 Sulpicius Severus ..................................................................................................................... 175 P a g e | v Apa Shenoute ........................................................................................................................... 177 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 186 Chapter Four: To Reject............................................................................................................... 190 Julian “The Apostate” .............................................................................................................. 192 Other Non-Christian Opponents .............................................................................................. 200 Christian Opposition to the Martyr Cult .................................................................................. 202 Athanasius of Alexandria ..................................................................................................... 203 Jerome .................................................................................................................................. 212 Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................