The role of the demonic in the political thought of Eusebius of Caesarea
This thesis explores how Eusebius of Caesareaâs ideas about demons interacted with and helped to shape his thought on other topics, particularly political topics. In doing so, it builds on and complements recent work on early Christian demonology by scholars including Gregory Smith, David Brakke and Dayna Kalleres, as well as Stuart Clarkâs work on early modern demonology. Eusebiusâ political thought has long drawn the attention of scholars who have identified in some of his works the foundations of later Byzantine theories of kingship. However, Eusebiusâ political thought has not previously been examined in the light of his views on demons. Moreover, despite frequent references to demons throughout many of Eusebiusâ works, there has, until now, been no comprehensive study of Eusebiusâ views on demons, as expressed throughout a range of his works. The originality of this thesis therefore lies both in an initial examination of Eusebiusâ views on demons and their place in his cosmology, and in the application of the insights derived from this to consideration of his political thought. As a result of this new perspective, this thesis challenges scholarsâ traditional characterisation of Eusebius
Johannessen, Hazel Anne
The role of the demonic in the political thought of Eusebius of Caesarea. This thesis explores how Eusebius of Caesareaâs ideas about demons interacted with and helped to shape his thought on other topics, particularly political topics. In doing so, it builds on and complements recent work on early Christian demonology by scholars including Gregory Smith, David Brakke and Dayna Kalleres, as well as Stuart Clarkâs work on early modern demonology. Eusebiusâ political thought has long drawn the attention of scholars who have identified in some of his works the foundations of later Byzantine theories of kingship. However, Eusebiusâ political thought has not previously been examined in the light of his views on demons. Moreover, despite frequent references to demons throughout many of Eusebiusâ works, there has, until now, been no comprehensive study of Eusebiusâ views on demons, as expressed throughout a range of his works. The originality of this thesis therefore lies both in an initial examination of Eusebiusâ views on demons and their place in his cosmology, and in the application of the insights derived from this to consideration of his political thought. As a result of this new perspective, this thesis challenges scholarsâ traditional characterisation of Eusebius
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