Western Civilization I / Unit 10 WC1 0903 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Donation of Constantine and the Reuse of Pagan Temples
Captions available
The idea
The Donation of Constantine, an eighth-century forgery, claimed Constantine granted the West to the pope and was cited for centuries. Gregory's letter of six oh one to Mellitus, preserved by Bede, told missionaries to reshape pagan practice rather than fight it.
In practice
Weekday names from Odin and Thor; Easter from Eostre.
Where people slip
The anchor addresses the letter to Bede, who only recorded it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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