While maintaining an entirely friendly attitude toward the church, Theodosius still took care in his legislation to see that the material interests of the state were sacrificed only to a very limited extent to church or clergy. In addition, Theodosius decided to enforce more strongly against the pagans the religious policy he had pursued since 379. In February 391 he prohibited sacrifices and the visiting of temples. Up to that time, he had basically tolerated the pagans and had entrusted adherents of the old cults with the highest offices....
britannica.com
I cannot say much about the account you post, since I am not conversant with the details, most of which are new to me, assuming they are well- documented. I only know that the demise of paganism was gradual and piecemeal, and that Constantine and Theodosius were not very vigorous in trying to eradicate it, initially at least, especially in the countryside. The very fact that the Academy, which had become the center of intellectual paganism in the late Empire, was not closed down until the 6th century is somewhat indicative. In any case, thanks for the contribution. I will look up more at my leisure, to see if I can source some of this material....... |
