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:
“With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.”
—Bible: Hebrew Job, 12:12.
“There is an ancient saying, which is a true one—”To fight against two opponents is a difficult thing.””
—Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.)
“With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.”
—Bible: Hebrew Job, 12:12.