The Last Shall Be Last: The Order of Precedence among Clergy in Late Antiquity

Abstract

This article discusses the order of precedence among the holders of the same clerical rank in the late antique church. This order, based on seniority, was most probably displayed in the public sphere, but even more importantly, it affected the income and promotion of clerics. The article also studies specific cases in which the seniority was ignored or broken. It argues that while lay people often supported swifter promotion of outstanding individuals and bishops were inclined to act accordingly, the middle and lower clergy strongly opposed nominations which violated the established horizontal hierarchy.