Roman Religion

Early Roman Religion Based on the Greek polytheistic religion Influential today because symbols and images are used in literature, art, and architecture

Early Roman Religion Explain natural phenomena (earthquakes, floods, thunder), human qualities (jealousy, anger love), and life events (marriage, birth, death, war)

Roman Gods and Goddesses Greek Name –Zeus Roman Name –Jupiter Chief god, god of thunder and lightning

Roman Gods and Goddesses Greek Name –Hera Roman Name –Juno Wife of Jupiter, goddess of marriage and jealousy

Roman Gods and Goddesses Greek Name –Aphrodite Roman Name –Venus Goddess of love and beauty

Roman Gods and Goddesses Greek Name –Athena Roman Name –Minerva Goddess of wisdom, battle, and the home

Roman Gods and Goddesses Greek Name –Apollo Roman Name –Apollo God of music, poetry, prophesy, light, medicine, and healing

Roman Gods and Goddesses Greek Name –Artemis Roman Name –Diana Goddess of the hunt, sister of Apollo

Roman Gods and Goddesses Greek Name –Poseidon Roman Name –Neptune God of the seas, earthquakes

Christian Origins Had its roots in Judaism Was led by Jesus of Nazareth, who was proclaimed the Messiah (“anointed one”) Conflicted with polytheistic faiths of the Roman Empire

The Gospels What we know about the life of Jesus comes from the Gospels –The first four books of the New Testament The New Testament contains writings on the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as the writings of early Christians All of the books were written well after the death of Jesus

Additional Beliefs Monotheistic Jesus as both son and incarnation of God Life after death

Spread of Christianity The followers of Jesus spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, bringing it into conflict with Roman polytheism and eventually changing Western civilization

Spread of Christianity Carried by the Apostles (followers of Jesus) throughout the empire –Popularity of egalitarian message –Most famous was Paul, who originally persecuted Christians before he converted

Spread of Christianity However, the spread of Christianity was slowed by this persecution Persecution- to be harassed or punished or made to suffer for ones beliefs Martyrs inspired Christianity –Die for beliefs

Diocletian Emperor Diocletian rescues the Empire from Collapse. - Divides Empire with 3 co-emperors - Last Christian Persecution - Only Roman Emperor to “retire” peacefully

MMilvern Bridge: Constantine defeats the other co- Emperors and unites the Empire. – Battle of the Milvern Bridge – Constantine sees a Cross in the sky before the battle, wins, and legalizes Christianity. – Constantine moves the capital to Constantinople and divides the Empire into two parts.

Constantine and the Church Constantine legalized Christianity Supported the spread of the religion and the building of great churches Establish Church doctrine; through Church Councils.

End of Persecution The Edict of Milan issued by Emperor Constantine in 313 AD ended persecution –Granted freedom of worship to all citizens of the Roman Empire –Christianity no longer illegal Constantine was its greatest patron