In this fascinating book, Jason Borges offers an original and engaging analysis of public buildings in Greco-Roman cities. Drawing on primary sources and archeological evidence, he explores how seven key civic structures--the agora, temple, bath, prison, theater, library, and cemetery--shaped the lives, writings, and theology of early Christians.

From lively agoras to magnificent temples and luxurious baths, civic buildings were more than just physical settings for everyday life; they were spaces imbued with social and political meaning. Informed by the author's research and his experience leading tours to ancient sites, this book explores how early Christians interacted with and understood their urban environment. The result is fresh insight into the cultural background of the New Testament and other early Christian writings. Each chapter explains a specific structure, provides an extant example, and discusses its significance for reading the New Testament. The book includes black and white images, informative diagrams, and a foreword by David A. deSilva.

This helpful supplementary textbook illuminates the architectural and civic background of the New Testament and early Christianity so that readers can better understand the writings and theology of early Christians.