D. Describe polytheism in the Greek and Roman world SSWH3 Examine the political, philosophical, and cultural interaction of Classical Mediterranean societies from 700 BCE/BC to 400 CE/AD D. Describe polytheism in the Greek and Roman world

Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses Resembled humans both physically and emotionally Each god and goddess represented an important aspect of Mediterranean life Love, wisdom, the sea, and war Greeks and Romans believed that gods and goddesses Confronted many of same emotions and engaged with each other and humanity in complex and often troublesome ways These beliefs Led to the development of a rich mythological literary traditions Attempts to appease the gods and goddesses led to construction of monumental architecture Parthenon in Athens Pantheon in Rome Development of complex state run rituals that helped justify the power of the government Roman religion Was a largely product of cultural diffusion from Greece it did develop some unique attributes Roman emperors were often deified after death Emperors added loved ones to pantheon Emperor Hadrian ordered the deification of his close companion Antonius

Parthenon in Athens http://www.dummies.com/education/history/world-history/gods-and-goddesses-of-greek-and-roman-mythology/

e. Explain the origins and diffusion of Christianity in the Roman world Developed in the Jewish community of Roman controlled Palestine Jesus of Nazareth born to humble Jewish family and became a traveling teacher as an adult Preached a message of reform that argued that argued charity and compassion were more important than strict obedience to rabbis and Jewish customs Developed a devoted following that believed he was the Messiah foretold in Hebrew prophecy Developed into belief that Jesus was Son of God Popular among some of the common people of Palestine; was a direct threat to the power and influence of traditional Jewish leadership and the Roman state Pressured by Jewish religious leaders, the Roman governor of Palestine, Pontius Pilate, ordered the arrest and execution of Jesus After crucifixion Jesus’ disciples preached of his resurrection from the dead and ascension to Heaven Proved the divinity of Christ to his followers

Only had limited appeal to Jewish community of Palestine but found greater acceptance among the Gentile population of Roman Empire Oppressed people Slaves , commoners, and women In large part due to work of Paul of Tarsus Among the first to take teachings of Roman heartland Roman government Continued to see Christianity as a threat and persecuted Christians The Community became increasingly organized thanks to work of disciples like Peter, Jesus’ right hand man, who established first formal centers of worship that would evolve into Roman Catholic Church 313 CE Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and issued Edict of Milan Legalized Christianity in the empire Imperial support helped Christianity grow quickly to become the dominate religion of Europe

f. Analyze the factors that led to the collapse of the western roman empire 235 C.E. Stability of Roman Empire came to an end Empire entered a period known as Third-century Crisis From 235-284 Roman suffered from a series of weak and short-lived emperors, invasions, economic depression, and social unrest Emperor Diocletian Instituted a series of radical reforms including dividing empire in half with two rulers Effective until 476 CE 476 CE Western half of empire succumbed to invasion by Germanic tribes (Visigoth) Left eastern half (known as Byzantine Empire) to carry on Roman traditions