Ancient
The original meaning of pagan is "rural" as opposed to "urban", and only came to refer to "non-Abrahamic" as opposed to Jewish, Christian and Islam in the 6th century, and it is therefore strictly an anachronism to apply the term to earlier times, although this is sometimes done (e.g. the three pagan "worthies" of William Caxton, Hector, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar). The list includes only individuals of the Common Era who were "pagan" in contrast to emerging Christianity.
Read more about this topic: List Of Pagans
Famous quotes containing the word ancient:
“I summon to the winding ancient stair;
Set all your mind upon the steep ascent,”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
“The ancient saying is no heresy,
Hanging and wiving goes by destiny.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.”
—Bible: Hebrew Job, 12:12.