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Christianity in Provence: Tracing the Footsteps of Mary-Magdalene with Dr. Guillaume Durand
Christianity in Provence: Tracing the Footsteps of Mary-Magdalene with Dr. Guillaume Durand
Christianity in Provence: Tracing the Footsteps of Mary-Magdalene with Dr. Guillaume Durand
Christianity in Provence: Tracing the Footsteps of Mary-Magdalene with Dr. Guillaume Durand
Learn with Guillaume Durand

Christianity in Provence: Tracing the Footsteps of Mary-Magdalene with Dr. Guillaume Durand

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According to several Medieval legends, after the death of Christ, several of his followers departed Judea for southern France, landing at the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in Provence. During this discussion, we will re-trace the missionary work of Mary-Magdalene, Lazarus, and Martha, in order to better understand their historical context. 

Together, these three divided the region and conquered in order to spread the word of Christ. Mary-Magdalene was principally responsible for converting citizens of Aix-en-Provence (Roman Aquae Sextiae) and her legacy throughout the city has survived. Centuries later, the Count of Provence claimed that he had discovered the skull and some skeletal remains of Mary-Magdalene in a cave eastward of Aix, at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, and thus began one of the most important pilgrimages in France to worship these relics.

This lecture will lead us into this Early Christian period in Southern France, where legends meet history and art. Starting with the figure of Mary-Magdalene, formerly considered the repent prostitute, we will understand who this prominent figure of the Early Church was, and how Provence claims to have her relics. We will discover some of the significant sites and artworks of the dawn of Christianity in Provence: the 4th-century Christian sarcophagi of Arles, the most extensive collection of this category outside Italy; the 5th-century baptistery of Fréjus and Aix-en-Provence; and the crypt of Saint-Victor of Marseilles where we can see the sarcophagi attributed to Lazarus. 

Led by Guillaume Durand, Ph.D., an archaeologist and professor of Archaeology and Ancient Art History, this lecture will explore how Christianity developed in Southern France. We'll also come away with a foundational understanding of how vital Mary-Magdalene's legacy is for modern-day Christianity.

Passionate about the regions and countries at the crossroad of civilizations, Guillaume Durand, Ph.D. has long-standing expertise in Ancient art and archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. Assistant dean and professor in archaeology and art history at the Institute for American Universities and the American College of the Mediterranean in Aix-en-Provence, France, Guillaume has traveled many times in Iran during these six past years in order to study the Persian Empires. He is also a tourist guide and lecturer in this country for French citizens.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

70 minutes

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
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Reviewer avatar
Alison (Salinas, US)
Another stimulating session from Context Learning

Thanks so much for a very informative and rewarding session. I’m 62, an American university professor, and Catholic by birth though not practice. I was sent to school in Provence in the mid-1970s when I was 13 (in a very small village: Aups —> its county/commune of Var is Draguignan), I know Aix well, and was fascinated by the regional stories of Mary Magdalene, relics, etc., that I still remember, even with having had no formal background at that point in my life. Dr, Durand was informative, engaging, and I will keep my eye out out for future. offerings from him.

S
Steven Cappaert (Des Moines, US)
Excellent course/instructor

This is one of the best Context courses we have seen. The instructor is excellent. We are looking forward to his next course.

M
Mary S (New York, US)
Another fascinating session

Dr Durand is such a great presenter, especially of things provençal. It was fascinating to uncover unusual theories behind some famous figures, and the history surrounding them.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Myths, Traditional Beliefs, History, Reality

Another scholarly presentation by Dr. Durand. Glad that he covered the issue of Mary Magdalene's probable actual life (a wealthy woman who helped sustain Jesus's mission) vs. prostitute. Inaccuracies explored (e.g., was not the wife of Jesus as in "DaVinci Code"), her possible travels to Provence described, and the problem of relics (real or not). The caves, basilicas, the sarcophagi, crypts. Fascinating expose, held my interest for sure.

N
Nancy (New York, US)
Respect for invention

Dr. Durand conveys a reverence for place -- his beloved Provence, but is completely scientific about its most famous citizen. This is a well-organized lecture delivered in a light-hearted manner. Thoroughly enjoyable. Absolutely informative.

12

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
90%
(9)
10%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
Reviewer avatar
Alison (Salinas, US)
Another stimulating session from Context Learning

Thanks so much for a very informative and rewarding session. I’m 62, an American university professor, and Catholic by birth though not practice. I was sent to school in Provence in the mid-1970s when I was 13 (in a very small village: Aups —> its county/commune of Var is Draguignan), I know Aix well, and was fascinated by the regional stories of Mary Magdalene, relics, etc., that I still remember, even with having had no formal background at that point in my life. Dr, Durand was informative, engaging, and I will keep my eye out out for future. offerings from him.

S
Steven Cappaert (Des Moines, US)
Excellent course/instructor

This is one of the best Context courses we have seen. The instructor is excellent. We are looking forward to his next course.

M
Mary S (New York, US)
Another fascinating session

Dr Durand is such a great presenter, especially of things provençal. It was fascinating to uncover unusual theories behind some famous figures, and the history surrounding them.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Myths, Traditional Beliefs, History, Reality

Another scholarly presentation by Dr. Durand. Glad that he covered the issue of Mary Magdalene's probable actual life (a wealthy woman who helped sustain Jesus's mission) vs. prostitute. Inaccuracies explored (e.g., was not the wife of Jesus as in "DaVinci Code"), her possible travels to Provence described, and the problem of relics (real or not). The caves, basilicas, the sarcophagi, crypts. Fascinating expose, held my interest for sure.

N
Nancy (New York, US)
Respect for invention

Dr. Durand conveys a reverence for place -- his beloved Provence, but is completely scientific about its most famous citizen. This is a well-organized lecture delivered in a light-hearted manner. Thoroughly enjoyable. Absolutely informative.

12