Literature and History Podcast - Episode 109: "Cornerstones" Summary

Host: Doug Metzger
Release Date: March 15, 2025
Podcast Series: Literature and History
Season Focus: Late Antiquity (200-700 CE) transitioning to Early Islamic History

Introduction

In Episode 109, titled "Cornerstones," Doug Metzger wraps up the comprehensive season on Late Antiquity and sets the stage for the upcoming exploration of Early Islamic History. Metzger emphasizes the significance of cultural and religious transformations during this pivotal era, using the metaphor of two ancient stone corners to symbolize the enduring legacy and evolution of civilizations.

The Orkomenos Cornerstone Story

Metzger begins with a captivating narrative about a single block of stone in Orkomenos, Boeotia, Greece. This cornerstone, a limestone block, serves as a tangible link between two distinct historical periods:

• Mycenaean Era (~1250 BCE): Originally part of the Tholos tomb, the stone features a Mycenaean floral motif.
• Byzantine Era (~870 CE): Repurposed in the Byzantine Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the stone now bears Byzantine Greek inscriptions.

This juxtaposition highlights how medieval Christian structures repurposed materials from ancient pagan civilizations, symbolizing the continuity and transformation of cultural and ideological elements over millennia.

Notable Quote:
"This stone still does typify a change. This change transpired over the 2000 years that we've explored in the 200 hours of this podcast thus far."
— Doug Metzger [05:30]

Review of the Late Antiquity Season

Metzger provides a comprehensive recap of the 24-episode sequence dedicated to Late Antiquity, spanning from Emperor Diocletian's reign to Isidore of Seville's era. Key topics and figures covered include:

• Literary and Philosophical Works:

  • Lucian of Samosata: Greco-Syrian satirist
  • Heliodorus Ethiopica: The longest surviving novel from antiquity
  • St. Jerome and St. Augustine: Influential Christian theologians
  • Boethius: Author of Consolation of Philosophy
  • Babylonian Talmud: Central text in Rabbinic Judaism

• Cultural and Religious Developments:

  • Birth of the papacy and the role of bishops
  • Early Christian martyr stories
  • Contributions of the Desert Fathers
  • Merovingian period and works of Gregory of Tours

Notable Quote:
"Late Antiquity is an in-between time, a time with many moving parts and no clear center."
— Doug Metzger [20:15]

Dichotomies in Late Antiquity: Romans vs. Barbarians & Christians vs. Pagans

Metzger critically examines the traditional historical narratives that frame Late Antiquity through two primary dichotomies:

1. Romans vs. Barbarians:

   • Traditional View: Barbarian invasions led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
   • Metzger's Insight: Emphasizes "population migrations" rather than outright invasions, highlighting cultural assimilation and internal conflicts within the empire.
     Quote:
     _"Why did Rome fall? Population migrations."
     — Doug Metzger [12:45]

2. Christians vs. Pagans:

   • Traditional View: A stark conflict culminating in Christianity's dominance.
   • Metzger's Insight: Highlights the complexities and intermingling of various religious beliefs, challenging the binary opposition and showcasing a more nuanced religious landscape.
     Quote:
     _"There were different kinds of Christians and different kinds of pagans, and many of the pagans were doing Christian-y stuff."
     — Doug Metzger [35:20]

Critique of Christian Historians

Metzger delves into how Christian-dominated historical records have shaped and, at times, distorted our understanding of Late Antiquity:

• Positive Contributions:

  • Accurate records of ecclesiastical structures and major events like the Vandal invasion and the Justinian Plague.

• Areas of Distortion:

  • Sectarian Bias: Christian historians like Augustine and Jerome often portrayed rival Christian sects as heretical, thereby skewing the perception of religious diversity.
  • Pagan Representation: Pagan religions are frequently depicted negatively or trivialized, neglecting their complexity and significance in daily life.

Quote:
"Christian historians energetically misrepresent a lot of the creedal debates happening within Christianity itself."
— Doug Metzger [25:50]

Religious Pluralism in Late Antiquity

Contrary to the narrative of religious conflict, Metzger highlights the coexistence and mutual influences among different religious groups:

• Interconnectedness:

  • Figures like Lucian of Samosata and poets such as Ausonius navigated multiple religious and cultural identities.
  • The presence of Hanifs—Arab monotheists who were neither Jews nor Christians—illustrates the era's religious diversity.

• Cultural Synthesis:

  • Religious practices and beliefs were fluid, with significant overlaps between pagan and Christian traditions, fostering a rich cultural tapestry.

Quote:
"Religion in late antiquity was a blob of multifarious interrelated activities and not a war between two clearly defined groups."
— Doug Metzger [40:10]

Introducing the Black Stone in Mecca

Transitioning to the upcoming season, Metzger introduces the second cornerstone—the Black Stone (Al Hajar al-Aswad) embedded in the Kaaba, Mecca. This symbol parallels the Orkomenos cornerstone in illustrating the transformation from polytheism to monotheism.

• Historical Context of Mecca (570 CE):

  • A cosmopolitan trade hub influenced by Byzantine, Sasanian, and Aksumite empires.
  • Religious pluralism with a blend of pagan, Jewish, Christian, and Hanif beliefs.

• Life of Prophet Muhammad:

  • Born into the Quraysh tribe, a prominent clan controlling Mecca's trade and pilgrimage.
  • Early life marked by trade caravans, societal stability, and exposure to diverse religious ideologies.

Quote:
"The Kaaba was not associated with an indigenous Arabian deity. It was built for everyone, regardless of background."
— Doug Metzger [55:30]

Previews of Upcoming Seasons on Early Islamic History

Metzger outlines his vision for the next season, focusing on the rise of Islam and its profound impact on literature and history:

• Key Topics to Cover:

  • Pre-Islamic Arabia and its literary traditions
  • Life and revelations of Prophet Muhammad
  • Compilation and significance of the Quran
  • Early Islamic Caliphates: Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid
  • Cultural and literary achievements in the Islamic Golden Age

• Broader Literary Scope:

  • Inclusion of Arabic and Persian literature alongside European medieval works.
  • Exploration of lesser-known texts and authors such as Ferdowsi, Omar Khayyam, and Rumi.

Quote:
"Islam was the culmination of the entire theological story that literature and history has been telling for the past 200 hours."
— Doug Metzger [1:10:45]

Conclusion

Episode 109 serves as a bridge between two significant historical periods, illustrating the enduring connections and transformations that shape civilizations. Through the metaphor of two cornerstones, Metzger encapsulates the essence of cultural continuity and adaptation. As the podcast transitions to Early Islamic History, listeners can anticipate an in-depth exploration of a religion and civilization that have profoundly influenced the modern world.

Final Quote:
"The Kaaba of 570, regardless of all the subsequent religious history written during the later Middle Ages, is the supreme emblem of late antique religion."
— Doug Metzger [1:20:15]

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and narratives presented in Episode 109, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime followers and new listeners of the "Literature and History" podcast.