MARTYRDOM OF PETER Peter traveled to Rome crucified upside down by Nero Peter viewed as 1st “Bishop” or Pope of the Christian Church today all Popes are believed to be descendants of St. Peter “Apostolic Succession” Early Christian church was called the “Catholic” Church Catholic means “Universal”

SAUL to PAUL Persecuted Christians Public Enemy #1 blinded by God on road to Damascus – Jesus asked “why are you persecuting me?” converts to Christianity Paul was a Roman citizen, so he could travel freely throughout the empire spread to Gentiles

REASONS FOR GROWTH OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE How can Christianity grow in an empire that was trying to end it? Security of the Roman Empire allowed citizens and ideas to freely move around Common Language of Greek throughout Empire (Alexander the Great) Road System throughout the empire Fatalism of Roman Religion when you die there is nothing else People liked the “Hope” of Christianity belief in an afterlife Persecution of Christians “blood of the martyrs is the seed of Christianity” By the second century, as the Pax Romana began to crumble, persecution of the Christians intensified. Romans exiled, imprisoned, or executed Christians for refusing to worship Roman deities. Thousands were crucified, burned, or killed by wild animals in the circus arenas. Other Christians and even some non-Christians regarded persecuted Christians as martyrs. Martyrs were people willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of a belief or a cause.

CHRISTIANITY BECOMES ONLY RELIGION Constantine becomes 1st Christian Emperor Battle of Milvian Bridge “in this sign conquer” Edict of Milan 380 Theodosius makes Christianity the official religion of Roman Empire 476 Western Roman Empire falls Christian Church will become the main uniting and stabilizing force in W. Europe

Role of Christianity after the “Fall of Rome” POLITICALLY structured itself like a “government” Stability Education Civility / morality RELIGIOUSLY Ensure uniformity in making decisions over: beliefs practices and rituals Prevent priests or bishops from acting independently Provide orderly way to settle conflicts over doctrine or practices Christianity helped bring an end to the DARK AGES