Master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (MA)
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The Latin dialogue "Octavius", written by Minucius Felix, is a unique early Christian text. The dialogue features a debate between a staunch pagan and a Christian. In order to settle the question...Show moreThe Latin dialogue "Octavius", written by Minucius Felix, is a unique early Christian text. The dialogue features a debate between a staunch pagan and a Christian. In order to settle the question at hand - which is better: paganism or Christianity -, the interloctutors adress many points, including various philosophies and their merits, the rumoured excesses of early Christian communities and the ridiculousness of paganism. The leitmotiv in this debate is "superstitio" versus "religio", and much of the dialogue deals with what exactly constitutes "superstitio" and "religio". This thesis analyses the varying layers and meanings of the word "superstitio" and to what use these meanings are put.Show less
