Chapter 6 The Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity

Geography of Italy Italy is shaped like a boot Italy is shaped like a boot It is centrally located in the Mediterranean Sea It is centrally located in the Mediterranean Sea Rome is centrally located in Italy Rome is centrally located in Italy

Geography of Italy The Apennines Mountains run down the peninsula but not very rugged The Apennines Mountains run down the peninsula but not very rugged Italy has broad fertile plains Italy has broad fertile plains The fertile plains make it easy to support a growing population The fertile plains make it easy to support a growing population

Early Rome Roman mythology - in 753 BC Roman mythology - Romulus & Remus in 753 BC Rome is built on 7 hills on the Rome is built on 7 hills on the Tiber River

Early Rome The other peoples that lived in Italy were the to the north and the Greeks to the south. The other peoples that lived in Italy were the Etruscans to the north and the Greeks to the south. The conquered Rome in 600BC and ruled it for about 100 years The Etruscans conquered Rome in 600BC and ruled it for about 100 years

Early Rome The Etruscans will have a great influence on the Romans The Etruscans will have a great influence on the Romans –Learned how to drain swamps –Introduction of the arch –Adopted the Etruscan alphabet which was adopted from the Greeks –Religion – same god & goddesses – which was also adopted from the Greeks

The Roman Republic 509BC- roman overthrew the last Etruscan king – Tarquan the Proud 509BC- roman overthrew the last Etruscan king – Tarquan the Proud Swore never to be governed by a monarchy again Swore never to be governed by a monarchy again Established a – where all citizens had the right to vote to choose their leaders Established a Republic – where all citizens had the right to vote to choose their leaders

The Roman Republic In the early republic the was the governing body In the early republic the Senate was the governing body It was made up of 300 members from the – landholding aristocracy – who served for life It was made up of 300 members from the Patricians – landholding aristocracy – who served for life Every two years 2 consuls (Patricians) were elected to supervise the government, command the army (limited to one term) Every two years 2 consuls (Patricians) were elected to supervise the government, command the army (limited to one term)

The Roman Republic The Senate in times of emergency could appoint a – absolute power for 6 months The Senate in times of emergency could appoint a dictator – absolute power for 6 months Ideal example was Ideal example was Cincinnatus

The Roman Republic were the common people – majority of the population – they had very little say in the government Plebeians were the common people – majority of the population – they had very little say in the government 450 BC – the – the laws of Rome written down & placed in the 450 BC – the Law of the Twelve Tables – the laws of Rome written down & placed in the Forum Plebeians gained the right to elect Plebeians gained the right to elect Tribunes The tribunes could veto, or block, laws that they felt harmed plebeians.

The Roman Republic Other changes in Roman society Other changes in Roman society –Plebeians allowed to elect consuls –Opened all high offices to plebeian class –Allowed plebeian to serve in the senate –Plebeian allowed to marry patricians

More than 2,000 years later, the framers of the United States Constitution would adapt Roman ideas of government, such as the senate, the veto, and checks on political power.

Roman family The family was the basic unit of Roman society. Male was head of household and had absolute authority. – (dominant male) Male was head of household and had absolute authority. – Paterfamilias (dominant male) He enforced strict discipline and demanded total respect for his authority. His wife was subject to his authority. He could whip, sell, kill, or imprison any of his children. Wife not allowed to administer her own affairs.

Women The ideal Roman woman was loving, dutiful, dignified, and strong. The ideal Roman woman was loving, dutiful, dignified, and strong. Women will gain more freedom during the empire Women will gain more freedom during the empire Father arranged marriages of their daughters – legal age for girls to marry - 12 but 14 was more common. Boys could marry at 14 but usually later. Father arranged marriages of their daughters – legal age for girls to marry - 12 but 14 was more common. Boys could marry at 14 but usually later.

Education Girls and boys alike learned to read and write. Even lower-class Romans were taught to write. Girls and boys alike learned to read and write. Even lower-class Romans were taught to write. Girls pushed into marriage while boys moved into secondary schools – history & rhetoric important. Girls pushed into marriage while boys moved into secondary schools – history & rhetoric important. wealthy Romans were hiring private tutors, often Greeks, to supervise the education of their children. wealthy Romans were hiring private tutors, often Greeks, to supervise the education of their children.

Roman life No other people in the ancient world had more slaves than the Romans- estimate about 1 slave for every 2 to 4 Romans No other people in the ancient world had more slaves than the Romans- estimate about 1 slave for every 2 to 4 Romans Treatment varied from humane to torture – very strict laws against helping runaway slaves. Treatment varied from humane to torture – very strict laws against helping runaway slaves.

Religion Roman gods and goddesses resembled those of the Etruscans and Greeks. Like the Greek god Zeus, the Roman god ruled over the sky and the other gods., his wife, like the Greek goddess Hera, protected marriage. Romans also prayed to, god of the sea, whose powers were the same as those of the Greek god Poseidon. On the battlefield, they turned to, the god of war. Roman gods and goddesses resembled those of the Etruscans and Greeks. Like the Greek god Zeus, the Roman god Jupiter ruled over the sky and the other gods. Juno, his wife, like the Greek goddess Hera, protected marriage. Romans also prayed to Neptune, god of the sea, whose powers were the same as those of the Greek god Poseidon. On the battlefield, they turned to Mars, the god of war. Roman calendar full of feast days to honor various gods- everyone joined in - created unity Roman calendar full of feast days to honor various gods- everyone joined in - created unity

Roman Expansion By about 270 B.C., Rome controlled most of the Italian peninsula.

Roman Expansion Rome's success was due to skillful diplomacy and to its loyal, well-trained army. The basic military unit was the, made up of about 5,000 men. Roman armies consisted of citizen-soldiers who fought without pay and supplied their own weapons. Roman citizens often made good soldiers because they were brought up to value loyalty, courage, and respect for authority. Rome's success was due to skillful diplomacy and to its loyal, well-trained army. The basic military unit was the Legion, made up of about 5,000 men. Roman armies consisted of citizen-soldiers who fought without pay and supplied their own weapons. Roman citizens often made good soldiers because they were brought up to value loyalty, courage, and respect for authority.

Roman Expansion To ensure success, Roman commanders mixed rewards with harsh punishment. Young soldiers who showed courage in action won praise and gifts. If a unit fled from battle, however, 1 out of every 10 men from the disgraced unit was put to death. To ensure success, Roman commanders mixed rewards with harsh punishment. Young soldiers who showed courage in action won praise and gifts. If a unit fled from battle, however, 1 out of every 10 men from the disgraced unit was put to death.

Roman Expansion Why was Rome’s expansion in Italy successful? Skilled diplomacy Skilled diplomacy Loyal, well-trained army Loyal, well-trained army Treated defeated enemies fairly Treated defeated enemies fairly Gave rights to conquered people Gave rights to conquered people –conquered people to keep own customs, money & local government

Roman Expansion Roman soldiers were posted to protect the conquered lands Roman soldiers were posted to protect the conquered lands –Retired soldiers given lands on the frontier Romans built excellent road system – helped trade & travel Romans built excellent road system – helped trade & travel

The Punic Wars 264 BC – 146 BC After gaining control of the Italian peninsula, Rome began to build an empire around the Mediterranean Sea. The Romans followed a policy of, establishing control over foreign lands and peoples The Romans followed a policy of imperialism, establishing control over foreign lands and peoples Carthage, Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor became Roman, or lands under Roman rule. Carthage, Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor became Roman provinces, or lands under Roman rule.

The Punic Wars 264 BC – 146 BC Rome's conquest of the Italian peninsula brought it into contact with Carthage, a city-state on the northern coast of Africa. Settled by North Africans and Phoenician traders, Carthage ruled over an empire that stretched across North Africa and the western Mediterranean. As Rome expanded westward, conflict between these two powers became inevitable. Rome's conquest of the Italian peninsula brought it into contact with Carthage, a city-state on the northern coast of Africa. Settled by North Africans and Phoenician traders, Carthage ruled over an empire that stretched across North Africa and the western Mediterranean. As Rome expanded westward, conflict between these two powers became inevitable.

First Punic War Lasted 23 years Lasted 23 years Fought mainly for control of Sicily, Corsica & Sardinia Fought mainly for control of Sicily, Corsica & Sardinia Rome needed to develop a navy – the Rome needed to develop a navy – the Raven Rome wins Carthage forced to pay war plus lost Sicily, Corsica & Sardinia Rome wins Carthage forced to pay war indemnity plus lost Sicily, Corsica & Sardinia

Second Punic War 218 BC Carthaginians wanted revenge Carthaginians wanted revenge Carthaginian general led his army, including dozens of war elephants, on an epic march across the Pyrenees, through France, and over the Alps into Italy. The trek cost Hannibal nearly half his army and almost all his elephants. Carthaginian general Hannibal led his army, including dozens of war elephants, on an epic march across the Pyrenees, through France, and over the Alps into Italy. The trek cost Hannibal nearly half his army and almost all his elephants.

Second Punic War 218 BC However, the Carthaginian general had surprised the Romans. For 15 years, Hannibal and his army moved across Italy, winning battle after battle. However, the Carthaginian general had surprised the Romans. For 15 years, Hannibal and his army moved across Italy, winning battle after battle. Battle of Cannae Hannibal most impressive Rome lost about 70,000 men – 20% of the Senate, 1 consul, and nearly all their officers Battle of Cannae Hannibal most impressive Rome lost about 70,000 men – 20% of the Senate, 1 consul, and nearly all their officers

Second Punic War 218 BC Rome decides to attack Carthage – Rome led by General Rome decides to attack Carthage – Rome led by General Scipio Hannibal returns to defend Carthage and is defeated Hannibal returns to defend Carthage and is defeated Carthage must give up all lands outside Africa, pay huge tribute to Rome, can not wage war without Rome permission Carthage must give up all lands outside Africa, pay huge tribute to Rome, can not wage war without Rome permission

Cato, a wealthy senator, ended every speech he made with the words “Carthage must be destroyed.”

Third Punic War Third Punic War, Rome completely destroyed Carthage. Survivors were killed or sold into slavery. The Romans poured salt over the earth so that nothing would grow there again. The Romans were now masters of the western Mediterranean Third Punic War, Rome completely destroyed Carthage. Survivors were killed or sold into slavery. The Romans poured salt over the earth so that nothing would grow there again. The Romans were now masters of the western Mediterranean

Roman Empire 133 BC One by one, Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor surrendered and became Roman providences, that is, lands under Roman rule. Other regions, like Egypt, allied with Rome. By 133 BC., Roman power extended from Spain to Egypt. Truly, the Romans were justified in calling the Mediterranean Mare Nostrum, or “Our Sea.”

Effects of Expansion A new class of wealthy Romans emerged. They built lavish mansions and filled them with luxuries imported from the east. Wealthy families bought up huge estates, called. As the Romans conquered more and more lands, they forced people captured in war to work as slaves on the latifundia. The farmers' problems were compounded when huge quantities of grain pouring in from the conquered lands drove down grain prices. Many farmers fell into debt and had to sell their land. A new class of wealthy Romans emerged. They built lavish mansions and filled them with luxuries imported from the east. Wealthy families bought up huge estates, called latifundia. As the Romans conquered more and more lands, they forced people captured in war to work as slaves on the latifundia. The farmers' problems were compounded when huge quantities of grain pouring in from the conquered lands drove down grain prices. Many farmers fell into debt and had to sell their land.

Effects of Expansion In despair, landless farmers flocked to Rome and other cities looking for jobs. There, they joined a restless class of unemployed people. As the gap between rich and poor widened, angry mobs began to riot. In despair, landless farmers flocked to Rome and other cities looking for jobs. There, they joined a restless class of unemployed people. As the gap between rich and poor widened, angry mobs began to riot. The new wealth also increased corruption The new wealth also increased corruption

Attempts at Reform Two young patricians, brothers named and, were among the first to attempt reform. Tiberius, who was elected a tribune in 133 BC., called on the state to distribute land to poor farmers. Gaius, elected tribune 10 years later, sought a wider range of reforms, including the use of public funds to buy grain to feed the poor Two young patricians, brothers named Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, were among the first to attempt reform. Tiberius, who was elected a tribune in 133 BC., called on the state to distribute land to poor farmers. Gaius, elected tribune 10 years later, sought a wider range of reforms, including the use of public funds to buy grain to feed the poor

Attempts at Reform The reforms of the Gracchus brothers angered the senate, which saw them as a threat to its power. The brothers, along with thousands of their followers, were killed in waves of street violence set off by senators and their hired thugs. The reforms of the Gracchus brothers angered the senate, which saw them as a threat to its power. The brothers, along with thousands of their followers, were killed in waves of street violence set off by senators and their hired thugs.

Results 100 years of Civil War 100 years of Civil War Slave up risings – (73-71 BC) as well as revolts by roman allies Slave up risings – Spartacus (73-71 BC) as well as revolts by roman allies Changes in the Roman army – Legions became professional with loyalty to their commanders – generals became very powerful Changes in the Roman army – Legions became professional with loyalty to their commanders – generals became very powerful

Julius Caesar along with Crassus & form the Caesar along with Crassus & Pompey form the First Triumvirate 59 BC., Caesar set out with his army to make new conquests. After nine years of fighting, he completed the conquest of —the area that is now France. 59 BC., Caesar set out with his army to make new conquests. After nine years of fighting, he completed the conquest of Gaul—the area that is now France.

Julius Caesar Fearful of Caesar's rising fame, Pompey persuaded the senate to order Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome. Fearful of Caesar's rising fame, Pompey persuaded the senate to order Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome. Caesar defied the order. Swiftly and secretly, he led his army across the into northern Italy and then headed toward Rome Caesar defied the order. Swiftly and secretly, he led his army across the Rubicon River into northern Italy and then headed toward Rome

Julius Caesar Caesar crushed Pompey and his supporters. He then swept around the Mediterranean, suppressing rebellions. I came, I saw, I conquered”—he announced after one victory. Caesar crushed Pompey and his supporters. He then swept around the Mediterranean, suppressing rebellions. “Veni, vidi, vici”—“I came, I saw, I conquered”—he announced after one victory.

Julius Caesar Returning to Rome, he forced the senate to make him dictator. Although he kept the senate and other features of the republic, he was in fact the absolute ruler of Rome. Caesar pushed through a number of reforms intended to deal with Rome's many problems. Returning to Rome, he forced the senate to make him dictator. Although he kept the senate and other features of the republic, he was in fact the absolute ruler of Rome. Caesar pushed through a number of reforms intended to deal with Rome's many problems.

Julius Caesar Reforms Gave land to the poor Gave land to the poor Increased the size of the Senate to 900 Increased the size of the Senate to 900 Gave citizenship to people in the provinces Gave citizenship to people in the provinces Adopted the Egyptian calendar _ Julian calendar – lasted until 1582 Adopted the Egyptian calendar _ Julian calendar – lasted until 1582

Death of Caesar & along with other senators plot to kill Caesar Gaius Cassius & Marcus Brutus along with other senators plot to kill Caesar In March 15, 44 BC.,, as Caesar arrived in the senate, his enemies stabbed him to death. In March 15, 44 BC., the Ides of March, as Caesar arrived in the senate, his enemies stabbed him to death.

The Second Triumvirate The death of Julius Caesar plunged Rome into a new round of civil wars., Caesar's chief general, and, Caesar's grandnephew, joined forces to hunt down the murderers. The death of Julius Caesar plunged Rome into a new round of civil wars. Mark Antony, Caesar's chief general, and Octavian, Caesar's grandnephew, joined forces to hunt down the murderers.

The End of the Republic The two men soon quarreled, however, setting off a bitter struggle for power. In 31 BC., Octavian finally defeated Antony and his powerful ally of Egypt at the. The two men soon quarreled, however, setting off a bitter struggle for power. In 31 BC., Octavian finally defeated Antony and his powerful ally Queen Cleopatra of Egypt at the Battle of Actium. Octavian at 32 will stand alone as ruler of the Roman world – the republic has ended Octavian at 32 will stand alone as ruler of the Roman world – the republic has ended

The Age of Augustus 31 BC to 14 AD senate gave the triumphant Octavian the title of, or Exalted One, and declared him, or first citizen. Although he was careful not to call himself king, a title that Romans had hated since Etruscan times, Augustus exercised absolute power and named his successor, just as a king would do. senate gave the triumphant Octavian the title of Augustus, or Exalted One, and declared him first princep, or first citizen. Although he was careful not to call himself king, a title that Romans had hated since Etruscan times, Augustus exercised absolute power and named his successor, just as a king would do.

Augustus Reforms taking a to make tax system fairer taking a census to make tax system fairer Set up postal service Set up postal service Issue new coins to make trade easier Issue new coins to make trade easier Put jobless to work on public projects and on farms Put jobless to work on public projects and on farms Opened up high-level jobs to men of talent, regardless of race. Opened up high-level jobs to men of talent, regardless of race. Created efficient civil service to enforce the laws. Created efficient civil service to enforce the laws.

Augustus Reforms Pax Romana. Augustus laid the foundation for a stable government that would function well for 200 years. This period was called the Pax Romana. During the Pax Romana Rome enjoyed great success- their was unity & prosperity as Roman legions maintained roads & protected the people – ideas & technology moved freely

Roman Emperors Not all of Augustus' successors were great rulers. Indeed, some were weak and incompetent. Two early emperors, and, were downright evil and perhaps insane. Caligula, for example, appointed his favorite horse as consul. Nero viciously persecuted Christians and was even blamed for setting a great fire that destroyed much of Rome. Not all of Augustus' successors were great rulers. Indeed, some were weak and incompetent. Two early emperors, Caligula and Nero, were downright evil and perhaps insane. Caligula, for example, appointed his favorite horse as consul. Nero viciously persecuted Christians and was even blamed for setting a great fire that destroyed much of Rome.

Roman Emperors Between. 96 AD and 180 AD, the empire benefited from the rule of a series of “good emperors.” The emperor, for example, codified Roman law, making it the same for all provinces. He also had soldiers build a wall across Britain to hold back attackers from the non-Roman north. Between. 96 AD and 180 AD, the empire benefited from the rule of a series of “good emperors.” The emperor Hadrian, for example, codified Roman law, making it the same for all provinces. He also had soldiers build a wall across Britain to hold back attackers from the non-Roman north.

Roman Emperors – ruled Roman Empire at its greatest size – built Trajan – ruled Roman Empire at its greatest size – built the Pantheon

The Pantheon

Roman Emperors – ended Pax Romana. Marcus Aurelius – ended Pax Romana.

Roman Entertainment At the, Rome's largest racecourse, chariots thundered around an oval course, making dangerously tight turns at either end. Fans bet feverishly on their favorite teams—the Reds, Greens, Blues, or Whites—and successful charioteers were hailed as heroes. At the Circus Maximus, Rome's largest racecourse, chariots thundered around an oval course, making dangerously tight turns at either end. Fans bet feverishly on their favorite teams—the Reds, Greens, Blues, or Whites—and successful charioteers were hailed as heroes.

Roman Entertainment Roman Entertainment The Coliseum contests were even more popular. Many gladiators were slaves who had been trained to fight. In the arena, they battled one another, either singly or in groups. Crowds cheered a skilled gladiator, and a good fighter might even win his freedom. But if a gladiator made a poor showing, the crowd turned thumbs down, a signal that he should be killed. Gladiator contests were even more popular. Many gladiators were slaves who had been trained to fight. In the arena, they battled one another, either singly or in groups. Crowds cheered a skilled gladiator, and a good fighter might even win his freedom. But if a gladiator made a poor showing, the crowd turned thumbs down, a signal that he should be killed.

Roman Entertainment The emperors paid for them with the taxes they collected from the empire, these amusements were a way to pacify the city's restless mobs. In much the same spirit, the government provided free grain to feed the poor. Critics warned against this policy of but few listened. The emperors paid for them with the taxes they collected from the empire, these amusements were a way to pacify the city's restless mobs. In much the same spirit, the government provided free grain to feed the poor. Critics warned against this policy of “bread and circuses,” but few listened.

Roman Achievements Romans used the ideas of the Greeks who lived in southern Italy Romans used the ideas of the Greeks who lived in southern Italy Imitated the Greek style for their early literature, philosophy & history Imitated the Greek style for their early literature, philosophy & history Classic Roman literature is the - Classic Roman literature is the Aenied - Virgil

History the historian sought to rouse patriotic feeling and restore traditional Roman virtues by recalling images of Rome's heroic past. In his history of Rome, Livy recounted tales of great heroes such as and Cincinnatus. the historian Livy sought to rouse patriotic feeling and restore traditional Roman virtues by recalling images of Rome's heroic past. In his history of Rome, Livy recounted tales of great heroes such as Horatius and Cincinnatus.

Philosophy Adopted the Greek Stoicism – stressed the importance of duty & acceptance of one’s fate. Adopted the Greek Stoicism – stressed the importance of duty & acceptance of one’s fate.

Art Like the Greeks before them, Roman sculptors stressed realism, portraying their subjects with every wart and vein in place. The Romans also broke new ground, however, by revealing an individual's character. A statue of a soldier, a writer, or an emperor might capture an expression of smugness, discontent, or haughty pride. Like the Greeks before them, Roman sculptors stressed realism, portraying their subjects with every wart and vein in place. The Romans also broke new ground, however, by revealing an individual's character. A statue of a soldier, a writer, or an emperor might capture an expression of smugness, discontent, or haughty pride.

Art

Architecture While the Greeks aimed for simple elegance in architecture, the Romans emphasized grandeur. Immense palaces, temples, and stadiums stood as mighty monuments to Roman power and dignity. The Romans improved on devices such as the column and the. Using as a building material, they developed the rounded dome to roof large spaces. The most famous domed structure is the Pantheon, a temple to all the Roman gods, which still stands in Rome While the Greeks aimed for simple elegance in architecture, the Romans emphasized grandeur. Immense palaces, temples, and stadiums stood as mighty monuments to Roman power and dignity. The Romans improved on devices such as the column and the arch. Using concrete as a building material, they developed the rounded dome to roof large spaces. The most famous domed structure is the Pantheon, a temple to all the Roman gods, which still stands in Rome

The Trajan Columns

Arc of Constantine

Science & Technology Romans were the world’s best engineers Romans were the world’s best engineers –Developed concrete –Caesar bridged the Rhine river in less than a week Roman engineers also built many immense aqueducts, or bridge-like stone structures that brought water from the hills into Roman cities. The wealthy had water piped in, and almost every city boasted public baths. Here, people gathered not only to wash themselves but to hear the latest news and exchange gossip.

Technology The picture here shows a strange Roman war machine. Two little huts, each mounted on four wheels, were fastened together and pushed along by means of a tree trunk. It was a type of battering ram used against the enemy army, and in its day was an effective and devastating weapon

Science astronomer-mathematician Ptolemy proposed his theory that the Earth was the center of the universe, a mistaken idea that was accepted in the western world for nearly 1,500 years. Galen advanced the frontiers of medical science by insisting on experiments to prove conclusion. Galen compiled a medical encyclopedia summarizing what was known at the time. It remained a standard text for more than 1,000 years

Roman Law One of their greatest achievements was their commitment to the rule of law One of their greatest achievements was their commitment to the rule of law –Innocent until proven guilty –Right to face your accuser –Your guilt must be established –Judges expected to make fair decisions It has become the bases for most of the legal systems in Europe & the Americas It has become the bases for most of the legal systems in Europe & the Americas

As long as people honored Roman gods and acknowledged the divine spirit of the emperor, they were allowed to worship other gods as they pleased. After the Romans conquered Judea, they excused the monotheistic Jews from worshiping the Roman gods.

While most Jews were reluctantly willing to live under Roman rule, others, called, called on Jews to revolt against Rome and reestablish an independent state. While most Jews were reluctantly willing to live under Roman rule, others, called Zealots, called on Jews to revolt against Rome and reestablish an independent state. Some Jews believed that a, or anointed king sent by God, would soon appear to lead the Jewish people to freedom Some Jews believed that a messiah, or anointed king sent by God, would soon appear to lead the Jewish people to freedom

Jewish Revolt In 66 AD, discontent flared into rebellion. Roman forces crushed the rebels, captured Jerusalem, and destroyed the Jewish temple. When revolts broke out again the, Roman armies leveled Jerusalem. Thousands of Jews were killed in the fighting, and many others were enslaved and transported to various parts of the empire. In 66 AD, discontent flared into rebellion. Roman forces crushed the rebels, captured Jerusalem, and destroyed the Jewish temple. When revolts broke out again the, Roman armies leveled Jerusalem. Thousands of Jews were killed in the fighting, and many others were enslaved and transported to various parts of the empire. The Diaspora

The Rise of Christianity What we know of the life of Jesus comes from the first 4 books of the New Testament – reported to be written by,,, & What we know of the life of Jesus comes from the first 4 books of the New Testament – reported to be written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John

The Life of Jesus Jesus was born about 4 BC in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem. Jesus was born about 4 BC in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem. Growing up in the small town of Nazareth, Jesus worshiped God and followed Jewish law. As a young man, he may have worked as a carpenter, the occupation of Mary's husband Joseph. At the age of 30, he began preaching. To help him in his mission, he recruited twelve close followers, known as the, from the Greek word meaning “ a person sent forth.” Chief among these was one called Peter. Growing up in the small town of Nazareth, Jesus worshiped God and followed Jewish law. As a young man, he may have worked as a carpenter, the occupation of Mary's husband Joseph. At the age of 30, he began preaching. To help him in his mission, he recruited twelve close followers, known as the apostles, from the Greek word meaning “ a person sent forth.” Chief among these was one called Peter.

The Life of Jesus Jesus' teachings were firmly rooted in Jewish tradition. Jesus' teachings were firmly rooted in Jewish tradition. Jesus believed in one God and accepted the Ten Commandments. Jesus believed in one God and accepted the Ten Commandments. He preached obedience to the laws of Moses and defended the teachings of the Jewish prophets. He preached obedience to the laws of Moses and defended the teachings of the Jewish prophets.

The Life of Jesus At the same time, Jesus preached new beliefs. According to his followers, He called himself the Son of God. At the same time, Jesus preached new beliefs. According to his followers, He called himself the Son of God. Many people believed He was the messiah whose appearance Jews had long predicted. Many people believed He was the messiah whose appearance Jews had long predicted.

The Life of Jesus Jesus worried Jewish leaders & Roman authorities Jesus worried Jewish leaders & Roman authorities Jesus was arrested and taken before. He was condemned to die by Jesus was arrested and taken before Pontius Pilate. He was condemned to die by crucifixion

The Spread of Christianity At first, the and disciples preached only in Judea. At first, the apostles and disciples preached only in Judea. They believed that Jesus was the messiah, or – the anointed one They believed that Jesus was the messiah, or The Christ – the anointed one

The Spread of Christianity, a Jew will be most responsible for spreading the teachings of Jesus – spreading them to non-Jews or gentiles Paul, a Jew will be most responsible for spreading the teachings of Jesus – spreading them to non-Jews or gentiles Paul sets up churches through out the Roman Empire – Its Paul that is credited in making Christianity a world wide religion Paul sets up churches through out the Roman Empire – Its Paul that is credited in making Christianity a world wide religion

The Spread of Christianity Romans did not tolerate Christianity – suspected Christians of being disloyal Romans did not tolerate Christianity – suspected Christians of being disloyal Used as scapegoats by Roman leaders during economic & social troubles Used as scapegoats by Roman leaders during economic & social troubles Many Christians became. They were burned at the stake, crucified, dipped in pitch and burned in the garden of Nero for light, Feed to the lions. The persecutions lasted from 60 A.D. to 300s A.D. Many Christians became martyrs. They were burned at the stake, crucified, dipped in pitch and burned in the garden of Nero for light, Feed to the lions. The persecutions lasted from 60 A.D. to 300s A.D.

The Spread of Christianity The appeal of Christianity was that Jesus welcomed all people. They found comfort in His message of love & eternal life The appeal of Christianity was that Jesus welcomed all people. They found comfort in His message of love & eternal life The Roman Empire will help it to spread – Pax Romana The Roman Empire will help it to spread – Pax Romana

Early Christian Church Early Christian communities shared a common faith and a common way of worship. A was responsible for all Christians in a particular area called a. A bishop was responsible for all Christians in a particular area called a diocese. Gradually, some bishops became, with authority over other bishops in their area. Gradually, some bishops became patriarchs, with authority over other bishops in their area. The Christian Church thus developed a hierarchy.

Early Christian Church The Bishop of Rome will be accepted as – father of the Roman Catholic Church The Bishop of Rome will be accepted as pope – father of the Roman Catholic Church In 313 AD emperor issued the – religious freedom of worship to all citizens In 313 AD emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan – religious freedom of worship to all citizens 395 AD Emperor made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire 395 AD Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire

The Fall of the Roman Empire Death of Marcus Aurelius = end of Pax Romana – next 100 years political & economic turmoil and decline Death of Marcus Aurelius = end of Pax Romana – next 100 years political & economic turmoil and decline Rome controlled by a series of generals who made themselves emperor – from 234 to 284 AD - 26 emperors only one died of natural causes Rome controlled by a series of generals who made themselves emperor – from 234 to 284 AD - 26 emperors only one died of natural causes

The Fall of the Roman Empire Economic & Social problems Economic & Social problems – –Heavy taxes hurt small businesses & farmers – –Corruption – –Trade disruption – – over cultivation – farms lost their productivity

Reform Emperors 284 Diocletian 284 Divided the empire into two parts to make it easier to govern Fixed prices to slow or the rapid rise of prices Fixed prices to slow inflation, or the rapid rise of prices Established laws to ensure steady production of food and goods Farmers forced to remain on land Constantine 312 Constantine 312 Continued Diocletian’s reforms Granted toleration to Christians, which led to the rapid growth of Christianity- Edict of Milan Built a new capital at, making the eastern part of the empire the center of power Built a new capital at Constantinople, making the eastern part of the empire the center of power

The Fall of the Roman Empire Reforms revived the economy but failed to stop long term decline Reforms revived the economy but failed to stop long term decline Will keep the empire together for another 100 years but a combination of eternal & external invasions will bring down Will keep the empire together for another 100 years but a combination of eternal & external invasions will bring down

Foreign Invaders

410 AD – under captured Rome & looted for 3 days – citizens bribed him with Spain 410 AD – Visigoths under Alaric captured Rome & looted for 3 days – citizens bribed him with Spain 452 AD – – Pope Leo I 452 AD Huns – Attila – Pope Leo I

Foreign Invaders 455 AD – sacked Rome & thousands taken and sold into slavery in North Africa 455 AD Vandals – Gaiseric the Lame sacked Rome & thousands taken and sold into slavery in North Africa

Foreign Invaders 476 The last Roman emperor lost his throne to a Germanic leader – – this event is known as the 476 The last Roman emperor Romulus Augustulus lost his throne to a Germanic leader – Odoacer – this event is known as the “Fall of Rome”

Causes of Roman Decline

The eastern empire - will last another 1,000 years but in the west over the next centuries Roman language & customs will be replaced by German The eastern empire - Byzantine Empire- will last another 1,000 years but in the west over the next centuries Roman language & customs will be replaced by German