Abstract

The encounter between pagan and Christian culture is one of the most debated topics in modern historiography. Through the analysis of a recent volume (J. Secord, Christian Intellectuals and the Roman Empire. From Justin Martyr to Origen), showing its important weaknesses, I reflect on some important stages of Early Christianity. In particular, I focus on the figures of Justin and Tatian, who offer an interesting reflection on the difficulties of the dialogue between the Christian message and the Greek and Roman world. At the same time, a particular attention is devoted to the relationship that the early Christian authors, such as Justin, established with the authors and the philosophers of the Imperial Age. A more intense and profound relationship than Secord’s volume shows