In The Darkening Age , Catherine Nixey tells the little-known - and deeply shocking - story of how a militant religion deliberately tried to extinguish many of the teachings of the classical world, ushering in unquestioning adherence to the 'one true faith'.The Roman Empire had been generous in embracing and absorbing new creeds. But with the coming of Christianity, everything changed. This new faith, despite preaching peace, was violent, ruthless and intolerant. And once it became the religion of empire, its zealous adherents set about the destruction of the old gods. Their altars were upturned, their temples demolished and their statues hacked to pieces. Books, including great works of philosophy and science, were consigned to the pyre. It was an annihilation.

Taking readers across the Mediterranean - from Rome to Alexandria and to Bithynia in northern Turkey, from the deserts of Syria to Athens and from the first century to the sixth - The Darkening Age is a vivid and richly populated account of centuries of obliteration. It is a dazzling debut from a brilliant young historian.'A delightful book about destruction and despair. Nixey combines the authority of a serious academic with the expressive style of a good journalist. She's not afraid to throw in the odd joke amid sombre tales of desecration. With considerable courage, she challenges the wisdom of history and manages to prevail. Comfortable assumptions about Christian progress come tumbling down.' The Times 'Clever, compelling .

exceptionally well-written' Spectator 'As Catherine Nixey points out in her vivid and important new book, the idea of the widespread persecution of Christians is a product of the Church's marketing and recruitment techniques . Nixey is a funny, lively, readable guide through this dark world of religious oppression.' Emily Wilson, New Statesman.