Christianity and the fall of Rome

Christianity Rome tolerates many religions Still had to honor Roman Gods and acknowledge divine spirit of emperor Judea Conquered in 63 BC Jews were monotheistic Excused to worshipping Roman Gods

Some still not happy with Roman and Greek influence Jews rebelled and were crushed by the Romans New religion came from Judaism with Jesus being the leader Christianity Jesus spread his word

Jesus Born in 4 B.C. Worshipped God and followed Jewish law Began preaching and performing miracles of healing Beliefs based in Judaism, but had new ideas Bring spiritual salvation and eternal life to anyone who believes in him Condemned to death for his beliefs

Christianity spreads Many are martyred and oppressed for their beliefs Constantine declares Rome a Christian empire, 313 A.D. Church develops Has huge impact on government

Structure of Christianity Had to be baptized to join Sins forgiven Followed in Jesus’ teachings Everyone is equal At first Pope was the leader Bishops, responsible for diocese Priest, leader in diocese

Differences arise Debates on power, beliefs Councils met to decide official Christian teachings

Assignment Create a comic strip that shows the progression of religion in the Roman Empire Starting with Gods, ending with structured Christianity Comic strip must have Understanding of evolving beliefs 6 slides Picture Description Color

Fall of Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius dies in 180 A.D. No true leader after him 26 emperors in 50 years 1 died of natural causes Social and economic problems High taxes place huge burden on farmers and business owners

Reforms Diocletian and Constantine place many reforms on Roman empire Improved economy Split Roman empire Constantine sets up new capital in the east Constantinople New Rome

Invasions Huns Nomadic tribe that conquer lands from Central Asia toward Eastern Europe Forced Germanic tribes to come into Roman empire Conquered many lands and eventually Rome 476- Rome emperor taken from throne