Elva (Eva B.)
Johnston s. xx–xxi
2020
2019
2018
The significant role of the frontier between Ireland and the Roman Empire for conversion to Christianity is underappreciated. Centuries of interaction brought the Irish into contact with their neighbors in a multitude of ways, peaceful and violent. The frontier’s importance is attested through material culture and religious change. The mission of Palladius, the first bishop to Irish Christian communities whose career can be dated securely, should be situated in these contexts. Arguably, his activities can be illuminated through examining models of diplomacy and frontier management. These rescue him from St. Patrick’s long shadow; they suggest that Palladius was as much a political envoy as a Christian bishop.
The significant role of the frontier between Ireland and the Roman Empire for conversion to Christianity is underappreciated. Centuries of interaction brought the Irish into contact with their neighbors in a multitude of ways, peaceful and violent. The frontier’s importance is attested through material culture and religious change. The mission of Palladius, the first bishop to Irish Christian communities whose career can be dated securely, should be situated in these contexts. Arguably, his activities can be illuminated through examining models of diplomacy and frontier management. These rescue him from St. Patrick’s long shadow; they suggest that Palladius was as much a political envoy as a Christian bishop.