The Pagan-Christian Conflict in the African Provinces During the Third Century AD and Its Role in Forming the Christian Historical Narrative

Abstract

In the early third century AD, the African provinces faced political and military changes that altered their cultural and religious landscapes. Christianity emerged, challenging the pagan authority deeply rooted in society. This period saw intense doctrinal debates between Christians and pagans, which influenced the development of historical writing. Local elites documented these conflicts, reflecting the era's spirit and attempting to create histories that represented their identities and beliefs. This study investigates the Christian-pagan conflict and its impact on Christian historical narratives in the third century AD by examining contemporary sources and the motivations behind their authors.