1. 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”

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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