III Rome and the Rise of Christianity

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Roman State

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Roman State a. Legend says Rome was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus who were raised by wolves.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Roman State a. Legend says Rome was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus who were raised by wolves. b. Actually Rome was a city-state founded about 750 B.C.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Roman State a. Legend says Rome was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus who were raised by wolves. b. Actually Rome was a city-state founded about 750 B.C. c. During its early years it was dominated by Etruscan kings who were overthrown in 509 B.C.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Roman State a. Legend says Rome was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus who were raised by wolves. b. Actually Rome was a city-state founded about 750 B.C. c. During its early years it was dominated by Etruscan kings who were overthrown in 509 B.C. d. After overthrowing the kings, the Romans established a republic, a government where the leader is chosen by a select group of people.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity e. Rome was divided into two social classes

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity e. Rome was divided into two social classes i. The Patricians – Great land- holders who became Rome’s ruling class.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity e. Rome was divided into two social classes i. The Patricians – Great land- holders who became Rome’s ruling class. ii. The Plebeians – Less wealthy landholders, craftspeople, merchants and small farmers. This group was larger than the Patricians.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity e. Rome was divided into two social classes i. The Patricians – Great land- holders who became Rome’s ruling class. ii. The Plebeians – Less wealthy landholders, craftspeople, merchants and small farmers. This group was larger than the Patricians. f. Both groups could vote, but only Patricians could run for office.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity e. Rome was divided into two social classes i. The Patricians – Great land- holders who became Rome’s ruling class. ii. The Plebeians – Less wealthy landholders, craftspeople, merchants and small farmers. This group was larger than the Patricians. f. Both groups could vote, but only Patricians could run for office. g. Rome was led by two consuls, chosen each year. They ran the government and led the army.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. A man called a Praetor was in charge of Civil Law. He was similar to a modern judge.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. A man called a Praetor was in charge of Civil Law. He was similar to a modern judge. i. In this republic, the Roman Senate, a select group of about 300 landowners who served for life, advised officials on policy. This advice was taken seriously. By the 3rd century they had the force of law.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. A man called a Praetor was in charge of Civil Law. He was similar to a modern judge. i. In this republic, the Roman Senate, a select group of about 300 landowners who served for life, advised officials on policy. This advice was taken seriously. By the 3rd century they had the force of law. j. Rome had several other assemblies in addition to the Senate.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. A man called a Praetor was in charge of Civil Law. He was similar to a modern judge. i. In this republic, the Roman Senate, a select group of about 300 landowners who served for life, advised officials on policy. This advice was taken seriously. By the 3rd century they had the force of law. j. Rome had several other assemblies in addition to the Senate. i. The centuriate assembly elected consuls and praetors and passed laws. It was the most important of the assemblies. It was organized by class so wealthiest Romans controlled it.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity ii. The Council of the Plebes was another important Assembly. It was created in 471 B.C. to protect the plebeians’ rights. Its repre- sentatives were called Tribunes.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity ii. The Council of the Plebes was another important Assembly. It was created in 471 B.C. to protect the plebeians’ rights. Its repre- sentatives were called Tribunes. 1. The Struggle of the Orders (Classes)

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity ii. The Council of the Plebes was another important Assembly. It was created in 471 B.C. to protect the plebeians’ rights. Its repre- sentatives were called Tribunes. 1. The Struggle of the Orders (Classes) a. There was often conflict between patricians, who had power, and plebeians who wanted political and social equality.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity ii. The Council of the Plebes was another important Assembly. It was created in 471 B.C. to protect the plebeians’ rights. Its repre- sentatives were called Tribunes. 1. The Struggle of the Orders (Classes) a. There was often conflict between patricians, who had power, and plebeians who wanted political and social equality. b. By 287 B.C., all male Romans were supposedly equal under the law.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity ii. The Council of the Plebes was another important Assembly. It was created in 471 B.C. to protect the plebeians’ rights. Its repre- sentatives were called Tribunes. 1. The Struggle of the Orders (Classes) a. There was often conflict between patricians, who had power, and plebeians who wanted political and social equality. b. By 287 B.C., all male Romans were supposedly equal under the law. c. However as the Senate gained power, a new Senatorial ruling class dominated the Republic.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity 2. Roman Law

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity 2. Roman Law a. One of Rome’s most important contributions to society was its system of laws.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity 2. Roman Law a. One of Rome’s most important contributions to society was its system of laws. b. It’s first code of law, the Twelve Tables, was adopted in 450 B.C..

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity 2. Roman Law a. One of Rome’s most important contributions to society was its system of laws. b. It’s first code of law, the Twelve Tables, was adopted in 450 B.C.. c. Rome later adopted a more sophisticated system of civil law, which applied to Roman citizens only. d. As Rome expanded its empire new special rules were adopted called the Law of Nations, which they considered as natural or universal law applying to everyone.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Influence of the Roman Empire

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Influence of the Roman Empire a. A series of Civil Wars and the dictator Julius Caesar caused the Republic to collapse between 44 and 34 B.C.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Influence of the Roman Empire a. A series of Civil Wars and the dictator Julius Caesar caused the Republic to collapse between 44 and 34 B.C. b. By the first century A.D. Rome was master of the Mediterranean Sea. Emperor Agustus Caesar created a new order that created the Roman Empire.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity The Influence of the Roman Empire a. A series of Civil Wars and the dictator Julius Caesar caused the Republic to collapse between 44 and 34 B.C. b. By the first century A.D. Rome was master of the Mediterranean Sea. Emperor Augustus Caesar created a new order that created the Roman Empire. c. The Pax Romana, or “Roman Peace,” lasted between A.D. 14 and A.D. 180. Trade flourished and the government was orderly, but there was a huge gap between rich and poor.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity d. The Romans developed advanced administrative procedures to control their empire. The Roman rulers extended citizenship to the peoples they conquered.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity d. The Romans developed advanced administrative procedures to control their empire. The Roman rulers extended citizenship to the peoples they conquered. e. Latin became the language of educated citizens in the empire.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity d. The Romans developed advanced administrative procedures to control their empire. The Roman rulers extended citizenship to the peoples they conquered. e. Latin became the language of educated citizens in the empire. f. Roman achievements in language, law, architecture and engineering spread throughout the Western world.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity d. The Romans developed advanced administrative procedures to control their empire. The Roman rulers extended citizenship to the peoples they conquered. e. Latin became the language of educated citizens in the empire. f. Roman achievements in language, law, architecture and engineering spread throughout the Western world. g. The birth and expansion of Christ- ianity occurred within the Roman Empire. Later it became the official religion of the empire

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. Christianity was organized in a way that reflected Roman institutions.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. Christianity was organized in a way that reflected Roman institutions. i. After A.D. 200, the Roman Empire began to decline. It collapsed around A.D. 476 after tribes from the north finally succeeded in breeching its borders.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. Christianity was organized in a way that reflected Roman institutions. i. After A.D. 200, the Roman Empire began to decline. It collapsed around A.D. 476 after tribes from the north finally succeeded in breeching its borders. C. The Development of Christianity

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity h. Christianity was organized in a way that reflected Roman institutions. i. After A.D. 200, the Roman Empire began to decline. It collapsed around A.D. 476 after tribes from the north finally succeeded in breeching its borders. C. The Development of Christianity a. Jesus began preaching during the conflict caused by the birth of the Roman Empire. He taught that inner transformation was more important than following laws or rituals.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity b. Individuals should follow the Golden Rule and treat others as they would like to be treated. People should love God and love each other, treating all as neighbors.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity b. Individuals should follow the Golden Rule and treat others as they would like to be treated. People should love God and love each other, treating all as neighbors. c. Jesus taught the virtues that would be the basis of medieval Western civilization: humility, charity and love of others.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity b. Individuals should follow the Golden Rule and treat others as they would like to be treated. People should love God and love each other, treating all as neighbors. c. Jesus taught the virtues that would be the basis of medieval Western civilization: humility, charity and love of others. d. Judean authorities turned Jesus over to the Romans because they feared he might cause people to revolt against Rome.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity b. Individuals should follow the Golden Rule and treat others as they would like to be treated. People should love God and love each other, treating all as neighbors. c. Jesus taught the virtues that would be the basis of medieval Western civilization: humility, charity and love of others. d. Judean authorities turned Jesus over to the Romans because they feared he might cause people to revolt against Rome. e. The procurator, Pontius Pilate, ordered Jesus crucified.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity f. Followers of Jesus believed he over- came death. Many Jewish followers believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the savior of Israel

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity f. Followers of Jesus believed he over- came death. Many Jewish followers believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the savior of Israel 1. Christian Persecution and Final Triumph

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity f. Followers of Jesus believed he over- came death. Many Jewish followers believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the savior of Israel 1. Christian Persecution and Final Triumph a. Romans saw Christianity as harmful to public order because Christians would not worship the Roman gods. This was an act of treason.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity f. Followers of Jesus believed he over- came death. Many Jewish followers believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the savior of Israel 1. Christian Persecution and Final Triumph a. Romans saw Christianity as harmful to public order because Christians would not worship the Roman gods. This was an act of treason. b. Christians believed in one God only and would not worship false gods or the emperors for fear of endangering their salvation.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity f. Followers of Jesus believed he over- came death. Many Jewish followers believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the savior of Israel 1. Christian Persecution and Final Triumph a. Romans saw Christianity as harmful to public order because Christians would not worship the Roman gods. This was an act of treason. b. Christians believed in one God only and would not worship false gods or the emperors for fear of endangering their salvation. c. Roman persecution of Christians began under Emperor Nero between A.D. 54-68.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity d. Nero blamed them for a fire that destroyed much of Rome. He subjected them to cruel deaths. However, by the 2nd century A.D. this perse- cution diminished and they became a small, but powerful minority.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity d. Nero blamed them for a fire that destroyed much of Rome. He subjected them to cruel deaths. However, by the 2nd century A.D. this perse- cution diminished and they became a small, but powerful minority. e. Roman persecution strengthened Christianity by forcing it to become more organized. The emerging control of bishops over Christian communities was a major part of this.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity d. Nero blamed them for a fire that destroyed much of Rome. He subjected them to cruel deaths. However, by the 2nd century A.D. this perse- cution diminished and they became a small, but powerful minority. e. Roman persecution strengthened Christianity by forcing it to become more organized. The emerging control of bishops over Christian communities was a major part of this. f. The Christian Church created a new structure in which the clergy (church leaders) were separate from the laity (everyday church members.)

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity g. Christianity attracted many followers. It was more personal than the Roman religions and offered eternal life and salvation. Also, it gave people a sense of belonging to a community.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity g. Christianity attracted many followers. It was more personal than the Roman religions and offered eternal life and salvation. Also, it gave people a sense of belonging to a community. h. Christianity appealed to every class and was especially attractive to the poor and power- less. Every individual, regardless of status, could gain salvation.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity g. Christianity attracted many followers. It was more personal than the Roman religions and offered eternal life and salvation. Also, it gave people a sense of belonging to a community. h. Christianity appealed to every class and was especially attractive to the poor and power- less. Every individual, regardless of status, could gain salvation. i. Christianity prospered in the 4th century. Emperor Constantine became a Christian. In A.D. 313 his Edict of Milan proclaimed official toleration of Christianity.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity j. Under Theodosius the Great, Rome adopted Christianity as their official religion.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity j. Under Theodosius the Great, Rome adopted Christianity as their official religion. 2. Roman and Christian values.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity j. Under Theodosius the Great, Rome adopted Christianity as their official religion. 2. Roman and Christian values. a. Romans and Christians shared some values. Both groups encouraged virtue and devotion to one’s community and the state.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity j. Under Theodosius the Great, Rome adopted Christianity as their official religion. 2. Roman and Christian values. a. Romans and Christians shared some values. Both groups encouraged virtue and devotion to one’s community and the state. b. However, Christians believed there wan an internal world – a relationship with a personal God – that did not belong to the state. This relationship was put above the laws of the state, and it was this belief that led to Roman persecution of the Christians.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity c. During the Middle-Ages, the Catholic Church was the state religion of most of Europe. It became a Roman-like institution that was an avenue between the individual and God.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity c. During the Middle-Ages, the Catholic Church was the state religion of most of Europe. It became a Roman-like institution that was an avenue between the individual and God. d. Christianity’s emphasis on the individual conscience and the emphasis on the state came into conflict if the political community violated conscience.

III Rome and the Rise of Christianity c. During the Middle-Ages, the Catholic Church was the state religion of most of Europe. It became a Roman-like institution that was an avenue between the individual and God. d. Christianity’s emphasis on the individual conscience and the emphasis on the state came into conflict if the political community violated conscience. e. Although Jesus taught Christians to tolerate others, the Christian hope of converting all people to their faith led to the use of force, the Crusades and the view non-Christians were a threat.