MR. DEATON WORLD CIVILIZATIONS RISE OF CHRISTIANITY AND THE FALL OF ROME

PROBLEMS ARISE After leaders like Commodus, the Roman Empire begins to decline and alter. Commodus- poor leader who seemed a bit deranged. He appeared in gladiator events, attempted to demolish and rebuild all of Rome, etc. In addition, the Roman culture had a high level of religious tolerance. This lead to the incorporation of monotheistic religions such as Christianity and Judaism. This created a direct conflict to the Roman/Greek political, and economic system due to a lack of sacrifice and penitence paid to the gods.

PROBLEMS ARISE This appealed a great deal to many slaves and commoners that made up a large part of the population. They could save money They saw an appeal to this religion because it included them more than the Roman Polytheistic system. In this new religion they could all gain passage to the holy land. It was more simple and direct to follow. Only one God was to acknowledge and follow as opposed to many.

PROBLEMS ARISE The real test to Rome and it’s Polytheism comes from the city of Judea and the dispute between the Jews and Jesus Christ. This town was a trading post, filled with problems for the Roman Empire. Due to the Jewish religion numerous Roman leaders suffered to maintain order because of the difference in religious views. Many of the Jews refused to pay homage to gods and acknowledge worldly ways of multiple cultures. Therefore, this was not a sought after post for many.

PROBLEMS ARISE Pontious Pilate is placed at this post at the time when Jesus has gained his maximum popularity and is challenging the patronage of high Jewish Priests. He was placed there because he is the brother-in-law of the emperor but not a Greek born son. He is intelligent and has a solid military background and he wanted to use this post as an opportunity to advance. As it’s leader he ruled with an iron fist and dished out 100’s of crucifixions and chastising's to try and maintain the power of Rome. The High ranking Jewish persist know this and see it as an opportunity to get ride of Jesus. They claim that he called himself the King above all others, an offense punishable by death.

PROBLEMS When this matter was brought to Pilate he knew of Jesus’ popularity and feared rebellion if he sentenced him to death. So, Pilate used a loophole in a celebrated Christian feast. He allowed the people to select one of two accused (Jesus and Babble) to be released to the people. The people (mainly the Jewish persist) choose Jesus and Pilate “washed his hands of it.” After his crucifixion and when prophesies were coming true the Christian faith exploded in followers.

CHRISTIAN MOVES As the Romans became more impatient with the Jewish faith, Christians used it as an opportunity to gain Roman good graces. They agreed to pay taxes to the Roman Gov. They offered Romans access to significant trading routes. They helped build important infrastructure. They also backed the Romans up in accusing Jewish religion for the death of Jesus of Nazareth.

CHRISTIAN DOMINANCE Eventually, the Christian faith will be so accepted by the Romans that an emperor will make it the official religion of the empire (what was left of it). Once the Romans accepted this religion many other civilizations will begin to include it in theirs. One of the largest groups that will actually help spread it more to these various cultures will be the Knights Templar.