Religion in the Roman Empire

Greco-Roman Religion Traditional Religion Initially “animistic” Then anthropomorphic gods State-run Priesthoods Pontifex maximus Vestal Virgins Priestesses of Vesta Had to tend civic hearth Vestal Virgins

Greco-Roman Religion The Pantheon (AD 118-125), Rome

Greco-Roman Religion

Mithras Slaying the Bull, Greco-Roman Religion The Mystery Religions Popular! Attractive Communion with deity Ethical guidance Spiritual equality Eternal life Examples Cult of Isis Mithraism Mithras Slaying the Bull, British Museum

Greco-Roman Religion Emperor Worship Some emperors deified after death Imperial cult Offer incense before an image of the emperor Test of loyalty to the State Foundations during reign of Augustus Cult statue of Augustus (early 1st cent.)

Greco-Roman Religion Questions?

Second-Temple Judaism Persian king allowed Jews to return to Palestine (539 BC) Constructed second Temple (536-515 BC)

Second-Temple Judaism The Jews Encounter Hellenism Under Hellenistic Rule (198-167 BC) Syrian ruler Antiochus Epiphanes attacked Jerusalem, built fortress Ordered Jews to abandon religious practices “Abomination of Desolation” THE MACCABEAN REVOLT (167-142 BC) Jews revolted under Judas Maccabeus (167-142 BC) Guerrilla warfare  Jewish victory, independence Rededication of Temple (164 BC)

Second-Temple Judaism Hanukkah!

Second-Temple Judaism Roman Occupation of Palestine Jews had been ruled by priest-kings Romans invaded 63 BC  ended Jewish independence Judaism a religio licita Romans appreciated antiquity of Jewish religion Exempt from imperial cult

Second-Temple Judaism The Second Temple (“Herod’s Temple”)

Second-Temple Judaism First-Century Jewish Religion Diversity Apocalyptic MESSIANIC EXPECTATION Messiah (“Anointed”) Some Jews longed for the “coming Messiah(s)” to deliver them from Romans “Messiahs” crushed by Romans

Second-Temple Judaism Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 6 BC – ca. AD 30) Itinerant rabbi Preached coming “Kingdom of God” Criticized religious authorities Miracle worker? Twelve apostles, large following Presented as Messiah in earliest sources

Second-Temple Judaism Possible evidence of Jesus’ intentions: manner of his entry into Jerusalem?

Second-Temple Judaism What Became of Jesus? Action in Temple Religious leaders infuriated, fearful Execution of Jesus Betrayed by disciple Condemned by Sanhedrin Sentenced to death by Pilate  crucifixion Movement Lived On Resurrected? Apostles stole body?

Second-Temple Judaism 2013

Second-Temple Judaism The Fate of the Jews Jewish War (66-70) Revolt  war! Crushed by Romans Jerusalem captured Temple destroyed Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35) Last stand  failure Jewish state gone

Second-Temple Judaism Questions?

Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Under leadership of apostles Based in Jerusalem Preached “GOSPEL” “Good news” about Jesus and “coming Kingdom” Focused on Jews Pentecost

Early Christianity Paul of Tarsus († ca. 64) Pharisee  Christian Brought Gospel to “Gentiles” Three missionary journeys Epistles

Early Christianity The Sacraments Baptism: rite of initiation Eucharist: sacred meal of bread and wine

Early Christianity Persecution of Christians MARTYRS: “witnesses” Why persecution? Seen as distinct from Judaism Refused to worship emperor “Great Persecution” (early 4th cent.) Clergy arrested Christians executed Churches destroyed Sacred books burned Blandina the Martyr (2nd cent.)

Early Christianity Constantine the Great (r. 306-337) Initially pagan Converted to Christianity Battle of Milvian Bridge (312) Saw “sign” in sky? Edict of Milan (313) Demanded toleration of Christians First Christian Emperor Launched Christianization of empire Lavished wealth upon Church Church now privileged Constantine Labarum

Early Christianity Basilica of St. Peter (324), Rome

Early Christianity Heresy: Gnosticism Beliefs Catholic Response Creation is bad, made by evil god Salvation through gnosis Salvation is of soul only, from body and matter Catholic Response Creation is good, made by good God Salvation of body  resurrection

Early Christianity 2003 2006

Early Christianity Heresy: Arian Controversy Began in Alexandria, Egypt Arius and partisans: Jesus Christ is a creature Bishop and partisans: Jesus Christ is God Constantine convened COUNCIL OF NICAEA (325) Christ is of same “essence” as God the Father Arians condemned Arians revived, almost defeated “orthodox” cause Issue concluded definitively at Council of Constantinople (381) Arianism condemned  Christ is God, also human TRINITY affirmed

Early Christianity The Church Fathers Major Christian thinkers Jerome (ca. 331-420) Monk Translated much of Bible into Latin “VULGATE” AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354-430) Famous convert Prolific writer Highly influential theologian Augustine of Hippo

Early Christianity Questions?

Religion in the Roman Empire How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire? Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity?