Roman Empire Constantine Christianity
The Roman Empire: 27 BCE - 476 CE
Augustus Caesar: Rome’s First Emperor
Political Power Expansion Augustus Caesar gathered all political power into his hands as the first Emperor of Rome
After Augustus who rules? Problem of Succession
Caesar Augustus Succession No male heir Adopted nephew, Tiberius Smooth transition of leadership Stable leadership despite inept emperors Tiberius took the title "emperor" and all successors did the same Succession was a problem for the entire time of the empire
Principal Roman Emperors
The Golden Age (100-180AD) Gladiator Life in the Golden Age Rome was largest city in the ancient world Extravagant entertainment Prosperity through trade and population expansion After the Golden Age Good and bad emperors Unsuited for governance Many boy emperors Gladiator
Model of City of Rome
Roman City Characteristics Types of Common Buildings: Coliseum Race Track – Circus Maximus Public Baths Amphitheaters
Innovative Engineering Techniques 1. Roads 2. Arches and Bridges 3. Aqueducts
All roads lead to Rome!
Roman Aqueducts allowed for growth of populations in Roman Cities
Pax Romana: 27 BCE – 180 CE
The Greatest Extent of the Roman Empire – 14 CE
Third Century Disaster Near collapse of the empire Military-oriented emperors Threat from consolidated Germans 24 emperors and 24 claimants/usurpers 45 killed by assassination (usually by their own troops) 1 died in battle 1 died in captivity 1 died of plague Name of a Caesar reflects self-importance
Spread of Christianity St. Paul and the Apostles Established Churches
Christians used Imperial Roman Roads / Trade Routes to Spread Christianity
The Spread of Christianity Roman Roads/Trade Network
Constantine strengthens Eastern Roman Empire but weakened Western Roman Empire
Constantine Moves Capitol to Constantinople – Weakens West
Constantine Constantinople Built on Byzantium site Acceptance of Christianity Edict of Milan Eliminated religious persecution Supported Christian religions St. Helena, churches Supported pagan religions Coins, inscriptions, built temples Nicaean council (325 AD) Sought to unify doctrine Used imperial troops to suppress dissent among Christians (Donatists) Conversion or unity?
Constantine becomes a Christian Issues Edict of Milan – Religious Freedom for all Christians
Constantinople: “The 2nd Rome” (Capital of Byzantine Empire)