ROME: Christianity, Achievements, and Decline

Roman Achievements Technology Roads Connected Rome to all parts of the Empire built to last (some are still in use today)

Roman Achievements Technology Arches used as memorials in addition to supporting buildings, bridges, and aqueductsused as memorials in addition to supporting buildings, bridges, and aqueductsAqueducts designed to bring water from the mountains to the cities.designed to bring water from the mountains to the cities.

The Forum Means open space or marketplace The political and economic heart of Rome Roman Achievements Art and Architecture

Pantheon Domed temple dedicated to the Roman gods

Roman Achievements Art and Architecture Roman Coliseum Stadium which held 50,000Stadium which held 50,000 Mock battles, gladiator contests, and other bloody spectacles were seen hereMock battles, gladiator contests, and other bloody spectacles were seen here ~Real Experience Photos

Roman Achievements Medicine and Health Public Health Piped water for drinking and bathing (clean)Piped water for drinking and bathing (clean) Sewage systems to remove human wasteSewage systems to remove human waste Medical SchoolsMedical Schools

Roman Achievements Medicine and Health Roman Baths Romans swam, exercised, gambled, gossiped, and played games in addition to bathing. Both rich and poor could afford to go often.

The Aeneid By Virgil Written in praise of Rome and Roman virtues Modeled after the Greek Epics of Homer

Ptolemy Created the first world Atlas with longitude and latitude.Created the first world Atlas with longitude and latitude. Designed an Earth-centered, (wrong) model of the universe that was held as truth for 1400 years.Designed an Earth-centered, (wrong) model of the universe that was held as truth for 1400 years.

Roman Achievements Language Latin and the Romance languages Latin: The language of Rome, the Roman Catholic Church, and learning (universities) in Western Europe.Latin: The language of Rome, the Roman Catholic Church, and learning (universities) in Western Europe. Romance languages: Languages derived from Latin: Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.Romance languages: Languages derived from Latin: Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. What Have the Roman’s Ever Done for Us?

Origins of Christianity Had its roots in JudaismHad its roots in Judaism –Monotheism –belief in a messiah lead by Jesus of Nazarethlead by Jesus of Nazareth –Jewish –proclaimed the Messiah Messiah: saviorMessiah: savior Offered hope when people needed it…Offered hope when people needed it…

Beliefs of Christianity Monotheism: belief in one God Jesus is both the Son and incarnation (human form) of God Life after death

The New Testament The New Testament + the Jewish Torah = The Bible Contains accounts of the life and the teachings of Jesus as well as the writings of early Christians of The Bible

Spread of Christianity Carried by the Apostles, including Paul, throughout the Empire Carried by the Apostles, including Paul, throughout the Empire Paul The Apostles

Spread of Christianity The Christian message helps the religion spread salvation and forgiveness from sin were powerful incentives and appealed to many peoplesalvation and forgiveness from sin were powerful incentives and appealed to many people Open to anyone – rich, poor, educated, uneducatedOpen to anyone – rich, poor, educated, uneducated

Persecution Early Christians were persecuted by the Romans for refusing to worship the Roman Gods Martyr: Someone who dies for their beliefs Persecution = bullying someone for their beliefs

Emperor Constantine Adopted and legalized Christianity in 312 A.D. Later Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire

Church Councils Christian doctrine was established by early church councils Doctrine: beliefs The First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.

Impact of the Church in the Late Roman Empire As the Roman Empire declined in the West, the church in Rome grew in importance, membership, and influence. The church became an example of moral authority

Church in Western Europe Loyalty to the church became more important than loyalty to the Emperor. The church became the main unifying force in Western Europe. The Pope became the leader of the Church. The city of Rome became the capital of Christianity.

Diaspora Scattering of the Jews Jews were exiled from Israel by the Romans in AD 132. They migrated to places all around the Mediterranean Sea

Decline of the Roman Empire Moral decay Army discipline Division of empire Political problems Invasions Economic problems MAD PIE

Moral Decay Conditions in the later centuries made Romans lose their patriotism. The people lost faith in Rome and the family

Army Discipline To defend against increasing threats, Rome hired mercenaries (foreign soldiers who fought for money). Military started to include invaders Discipline and loyalty collapsed.

Division of the Empire Rome was divided into Eastern and Western portions Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium (He also ended persecution of Christians)

Political Problems Civil conflict: politician- generals fought each other for power Weak leadership: Emperors were unable to handle problems faced by the empire. They were often brutal and incompetent. Many were murdered.

Invasions From 376 to 476 Germanic and Mongol invaders poured into the Western portion of the Roman Empire.

Barbarian Invaders Germanic tribes repeatedly attacked along the northern borders. Barbarians: Non-Romans

Economic Problems The high cost of defending its borders caused the Empire to raise taxes and mint coins with less silver. With Roman money worth less(devaluation), prices rose (inflation). Small farmers abandoned their lands causing food shortages.

Western Empire Falls The Western Roman Empire ceased to exist in 476 AD when Germanic invaders overthrew the last Roman Emperor.

Byzantine Empire The Eastern Roman Empire survived and later became known as the Byzantine Empire