2. Topic: The Rise of Christianity Unit: Rome

3. Essential Question How did Christianity evolve over time in the Roman Empire?

5. The Life of Jesus Born between 7-2 BC in the Roman controlled territory of Galilee He was a Jewish teacher who many believed to be the messiah (savior). He was crucified between 30-33 AD in Jerusalem by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate after being accused of crimes by the Jewish priest Caiaphus

6. The Teachings of Jesus Even with Jesus gone his followers continued to spread his teachings…… Love one’s enemies Refrain from hatred and lust Turn the other cheek Practice the Golden Rule Belief in miracles by those who have faith in God Resurrection

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8. Make a prediction about what will happen to next to those who adopt Christianity.

11. Persecution At first, Romans saw Christianity as a branch of Judaism and did not anticipate it’s popularity. For awhile, Christians were protected under Roman law- but things changed…. Christians would not accept the Roman gods, or the divinity of the Roman Emperors so they were considered a threat to the state. Before long Christians were blamed for many of Rome’s problems and often attacked or killed.

12. Nero and the Christians (Write the story in your own words) In 64 AD, there was a great fire in Rome burned for six days destroying much of the city. The Emperor Nero quickly blamed the fire on Christians, despite there being no evidence of their involvement They were used as human torches, torn apart by wild dogs and crucified by the Roman authority.

13. Empire Problems Problem? –As the empire grows larger, problems begin to mount. –It is too difficult for one to govern. Solution? –Emperor Diocletian establishes the Tetrarchy: decides to divide the empire into four parts – Each part ruled by a co-emperor

15. Constantine 306-337 CE One of the most important emperors in Roman history. Reunites Roman Empire under one emperor He made Christianity legal with the Edict of Milan and halted persecutions. Became the first Christian Roman Emperor. He moved the capitol to Constantinople and turned it into a “Christian” capital.