c. 160–170
Greek
101–200
The Second Century
2 works
197
Latin
Apology
Apologeticum
Tertullian · c. 155–c. 220
A defence addressed to the governors of the empire, arguing that Christians are tried by a procedure used for no other crime, and that the blood of the martyrs is seed.
Early Church · ApologyFull text
401–500
The Fifth Century
1 work
c. 433–450
Latin
The Sermons
Peter Chrysologus · c. 380–c. 450
Around a hundred and eighty very short sermons from Ravenna, built on antithesis and wordplay, and rarely longer than a few minutes to deliver.
Western · HomiliesRead elsewhere
501–600
The Sixth Century
2 works
537
Latin
The Variae
Cassiodorus · c. 485–c. 585
Official letters drafted for the Ostrogothic kings of Italy, collected as models of style, and covering everything from theology to sewer repair and the price of pepper.
Western · LettersRead elsewhere
c. 540–548
Latin
Exposition of the Psalms
Expositio Psalmorum
Cassiodorus · c. 485–c. 585
A commentary on all one hundred and fifty psalms that pauses constantly to identify figures of speech, treating the psalter as a textbook of rhetoric as well as prayer.
601–700
The Seventh Century
1 work
c. 660
Latin
On the Perpetual Virginity of Mary
Ildefonsus of Toledo · c. 607–667
An ornate defence of Mary's virginity written in a deliberately elaborate style, addressed to three named unbelievers as if in court.
Western · TreatiseRead elsewhere
1101–1200
The Twelfth Century
2 works
c. 1160–1182
Old Church Slavonic
The Sermons and Prayers
Kirill of Turov · c. 1130–c. 1182
Festal sermons of high rhetorical polish, giving speeches to biblical figures and describing spring as the resurrection of the world.
Rus · HomiliesRead elsewhere
c. 1199
Latin
The Art of Preaching
Ars Praedicandi
Alan of Lille · c. 1128–1202
How to construct a sermon: take a text, divide it, support each part with authorities and examples, and adapt the whole to soldiers, married people, judges, or the poor.
Scholastic · HandbookRead elsewhere