Recent studies on the development of early Christianity emphasize the fragmentation of the late
ancient world while paying less attention to a distinctive feature of the Christianity of this
time which is its inter-connectivity. Both local and trans-regional networks of interaction
contributed to the expansion of Christianity in this age of fragmentation. This volume
investigates a specific aspect of this inter-connectivity in the area of the Mediterranean by
focusing on the formation and operation of episcopal networks. The rise of the bishop as a
major figure of authority resulted in an increase in long-distance communication among church
elites coming from different geographical areas and belonging to distinct ecclesiastical and
theological traditions. Locally the bishops in their roles as teachers defenders of faith
patrons etc. were expected to interact with individuals of diverse social background who formed
their congregations and with secular authorities. Consequently this volume explores the nature
and quality of various types of episcopal relationships in Late Antiquity attempting to
understand how they were established cultivated and put to use across cultural linguistic
social and geographical boundaries.
