Robert Wiśniewski, Associate Professor, University of Warsaw

Robert Wiśniewski is Associate Professor of Ancient History at the University of Warsaw. His research focuses on religious changes in Late Antiquity, with particular attention to the cult of saints, divination, clergy, and demons.

"as a survey of the cult of relics in its earliest forms and an argument about the chronology of its origins, this book will be of interest not only to scholars of late antiquity but to all those interested in relics and their enduring hold on medieval and modern imaginations." - Kate M. Craig, Early Medieval Europe

"For me, this study is one of the best that has been published in the last decade on the origins of the veneration of relics." - Hans Geybels, Augustiniana

"The Beginning of the Cult of Relics is a must read for all scholars working in the fields of late ancient Christian history, art history, archaeology, and material culture studies." - Lynda Coon, Church History

"fills a gap by focusing on body relics in late antiquity ... For such further studies his highly recommended book provides a solid and broad basis." - Andreas Merkt, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"Wisniewski adeptly charts the origin, development, and manifestations of relic thaumaturgy, mostly relying on textual and occasionally also on archaeological sources." - Ivana Petrovic, University of Virginia, Greece & Rome

"Thematically presented and beautifully written, [Wisniewski] examines the evidence and concludes convincingly. The narrative flow is logical and satisfying, and all this brings unexpected clarity to a subject that could have been obliterated by detail." - Adrian Spooner, Classics for All