Age of Augustus 31 BCE – 14 CE; 27 BCE Octavian claims restoration of the Republic First Roman Emperor; “Augustus” meaning the revered one; imperator – commander in chief Maintained an army of 28 legions – 150K legionnaires made up of only citizens. Subjects could be auxiliary forces – 130K men; combined force of K men

Age of Augustus saw old traditions and festivals returned Polytheism Emperors were officially made gods by senate (kind of like Egypt… ) Rome: Polytheism

Greek – Roman Gods/Goddesses

Rome: Polytheism Believed proper rituals would bring favor of the gods Believed their successful expansion was due to the gods Romans allowed other worship of religions even if they did not support their own beliefs

Decline of Augustus 14 CE – Early Empire. Emperors after Augusts were Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Began to take power from Senate. Nero very corrupt. Killed those in his way including his own mother. 2 nd century CE – “good emperors” come to power: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. Create Pax Romana, or Roman Peace

Rome: Wavering Beliefs Religious influences took hold in Rome after conquering of Hellenistic states People desired more spiritual connections and looked to other religions Believed that a person could communicate with spiritual beings through ceremonies

Rome: Influence of Judaism Jewish people had considerable independence until 6 CE – Judea placed under direction of a Roman Procurator Some agreed with Roman ways, others resisted; Sadducees (a), Pharisees (i), Essenes (i), Zealots (o) Jewish revolt against Romans – Jews defeated

Rome: The Rise of Christianity

The Rise of Christianity Before revolt, Jewish prophet and Rabbi traveled and preached of salvation – his name was Jesus Saw more importance in the inner person than being strict with law Stirred controversy – seen as a threat to Roman Empire and turned over to Roman officials Crucified by the order of Pontius Pilate

The Rise of Christianity Began as a sect (or part of) Judaism, gained momentum after reports of Jesus’s resurrection Apostles – religious leaders – rose to preach Jesus’s message Offered promise and hope Jesus named Christ (Greek for Messiah) and savior of the people – teachings were passed on orally – “New Testament”

Persecution Differed greatly from Roman world and beliefs; caused Christian persecution Christianity viewed as harmful because Christians refused to worship gods and emperors Nero persecutes many Christians – blames them for fires that destroyed much of Rome

Persecution To Romans: Refusal of worship = act of treason To Christians: polytheism = worshipping false gods and endangering chance at salvation Persecution strengthened Christianity

The Growth of Christianity Created clergy – officials; and laity – members; to create structure Christianity offered salvation and personal satisfaction and was similar to other religions Fulfilled need to belong – appealed most to poor and powerless (majority)

Emergence of Christianity Later attempts by emperors like Diocletian to persecute Christians failed Christianity prospers under Constantine – first Christian Emperor Issued Edict of Milan – official tolerance of Christianity Adopted as official Religion of Rome under Theodosius the Great