Paganus

The most likely original derivation of paganus is from the late military sense, civilian as contrasted with a miles Christi. However, the term is not part of the 3nd century Christian literary vocabulary. In Christian writers of the 4th century, the term is said to have from paganus, "rustic". On th...

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Dettagli Bibliografici
Autore:James J. O'Donnell
Pubblicazione: S.n., s.l., 1977
Volume:31
Pagine:163-169
Periodico:Classical Folia
Formato:Article
Status:Active
Descrizione
Riassunto:The most likely original derivation of paganus is from the late military sense, civilian as contrasted with a miles Christi. However, the term is not part of the 3nd century Christian literary vocabulary. In Christian writers of the 4th century, the term is said to have from paganus, "rustic". On the basis of his etymology, their use of the term is abusive, that is, they wished to lump the rustic non-Christian farmer with the proud, wealthy, senatorial pagans of the cities for rhetorical effect.