Does anyone know if there's a resource(s) that parallels contemporary society with the Church Fathers up to the first 5 or 6 hundred years.
FF Bruce came out with a book Israel and the Nations, from the Exodus to the Fall of the Second Temple that deals with Israel from the standpoint of its historical interaction with its neighbors.
What I'm looking for is a book that deals with what was going on contemporaneously during the Church Father's age. Political, societal. Things like what was going on in Egypt or the Mediterrainian areas. What was the going price for a bushel of wheat, what was playing at the theaters in Ephesus or Corinth. Who was leading in the Isthmian games. What was the temperature in specific geographical areas etc........
I should probably add that there are many books that deal with the above subject, but I'm looking for Patristic-centered resources. For example: While Ignatius was being led captive to Rome, the weather was.... the Collesium was holding games or not, Caesar was vacationing or having a drink of wine (red or white) waiting for his mistress. Books that include the Fathers AND surroundings.
So if you know a resource either in Logos or otherwise, do let me know.
mm.