This volume challenges some common assumptions about the culture of the early Byzantine Near East by examining the architecture and urban design of five cities in that period. The author assesses the various kinds of religious structure found in each city, including cult centres, temples dedicated to the Olympian gods and buildings set aside for mystery religions. He also shows how the effects of these sanctuaries on civic religious life were hugely important and influential, and shaped the way that citizens conceived of their city and of themselves. This book should be of interest to: scholars and students of the New Testament and of the Hellenistic period; scholars and students of Judaic studies; scholars and students of Classical studies; and non-specialists interested in the life and times of the ancient world. About the AuthorPeter Richardson is Emeritus Professor of Christian Origins at the University of Toronto and was formerly Principal of University College, Toronto. He is the author and editor of many books, including "Paul's Ethic of Freedom", "Herod King of Jews and Friend of Romans" and "Law in Religious Communities in the Roman Period", and is in addition a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.