BOOK REVIEW: Carmen Angela Cvetković, Peret Gemeinhardt (Eds.), ‟Episcopal Networks in Late Antiquity. Connection and Communication Across Boundaries”, (Arbeiten zur Kirchengeschichte vol. 137), De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston, 2019, 365 p.

Abstract

Among the valuable volumes of the Arbeiten zur Kirchengeschichte series last year, the papers of the conference dealing with the topic of Episcopal Networks in Late Antiquity. Connection and Communication across Boundaries, held in Gottingen (28^th-30^th September 2016) were published. The contributions of this volume emphasize the important role played by regional or local contexts of the late ancient world and, according to the editors, investigate a specific aspect of the inter-connectivity that characterizes the late ancient Christianity in the Mediterranean area by focusing on the formation and operation of episcopal networks. As key figures of authority in the late antique city, the bishops played various roles such as patrons, teachers, defenders of faith, managers of economic resources and even as political actors. That is way they were expected to interact with individuals of diverse social background that forms their congregations as well as with secular authorities.