Introduction

The introduction of this volume reflects on how historiography has interpreted ecclesiastical condemnations of rituals performed at stones, trees and springs in Late Antiquity, from evolutionist paradigms that regarded them as mere ‘pagan survivals’ to more recent approaches emphasising the dynamic nature of the relationships between individuals and their natural environment. It also outlines the contents of the book's chapters and highlights how this volume aims to demonstrate that these religious vows functioned within ritual landscapes, forming part of the lived religion of Christian devotees, while examining both their interaction with the environment and the attempts by bishops and councils to regulate non-standardised practices.