Symbols of Church and Kingdom: A Study in Early Syriac Tradition

A reissue of Robert MurrayÆs classic study of Syriac Christianity. Anexploration of Syriac Christianity up to the early fifth century CE, includingits beliefs and worship and its life and art, Symbols of Church and Kingdom isthe fullest and most vivid picture yet available of the development and charac-terof the culture, illustrating both its original close relationship to Judaismand its remoter background in Mesopotamian civilization. The influence ofSyriac Christian culture, particularly on European literature, is also covered.This book deals with a topic of interdisciplinary importance, at the culturalcrossroads of the ancient and medieval worlds of east and west, and ofChristianity, Judaism and Islam. It will be of interest to a correspondinglywide range of scholars and students. No knowledge of Syriac is assumed.