Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity 1

Christianity -Early in the Pax Romana, a new religion, Christianity emerged in Judea -Many different religions in the empire -By 63 B.C., Romans had conquered Judea where most Jewish people lived. 2

Jesus Recruited 12 disciples to help him spread his ideas, called apostles 3 According to the Bible, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples Arrested by the Romans, and killed by crucifixion Talk spread that Jesus had not died but had risen from death and commanded his disciples to spread his teachings

Christianity Spreads -Followers called Christians -Disciples preach the messages of Christianity throughout the Roman world -Peter established Christianity in Rome itself -Paul played the most influential role in spreading Christianity 4

Christians Oppressed Christians refused to honor the emperor with sacrifices Christians refused to worship Roman gods 5

Christians Oppressed Christians were used as scapegoats, blamed for social and economic problems (like the fire) Many Christians became martyrs Christianity continued to spread because it was so appealing people 6

Rome becomes Christian Emperor Constantine (a Christian) issued the Edict of Milan in A.D The Edict granted freedom of worship to all citizens of the Roman empire Christianity then became the official religion of the Roman empire.

What a difference! Rome shifted from murdering Christians to being a Christian Empire in about 100 years! Notice that Vatican City is inside the city of Rome and is the center of the Catholic Church!