1. Do-now What religions existed in early Rome?
What were the Romans’ policies on religious tolerance?

2. Christianity
Chapter 5 section 4

3. Religion in Rome Romans were polytheistic
Tolerated other religions as long as they showed loyalty to the Roman gods and acknowledged the divine spirit of the Emperor

4. Judea
Jewish homeland conquered by Rome in 63 BC

5. Reluctant Jews
Zealots were Jews who wanted to revolt from Rome

6. Looking for a leader
The Zealots were waiting for a messiah or anointed king sent by God to lead them in a revolt against Rome

7. Revolt!
When revolts did break out in Judea the Romans crushed them and then destroyed the city of Jerusalem

8. Jesus
Although Jesus is often referred to as the messiah he was executed years before the revolts in Judea occurred

9. Apostles
Followers of Jesus continued to spread his teachings after his death.

10. Gospels
The Apostles wrote the first four books of the New Testament

11. The Bible The Torah (Old Testament)
+ the teachings of Jesus (New Testament)
= The BIBLE

12. Fear of Jesus
The Jewish Priests believed Jesus was challenging their authority
The Romans believed Jesus was a revolutionary leader

13. Death Sentence
Jesus was executed by the Romans with the support of the Jewish priests.

14. Christianity spreads
Roman roads and seas provide the network to spread the new faith throughout the Empire. (cultural diffusion)

15. Fear of Christians
Romans distrust the Christians who meet and pray in private and would not make sacrifices to the Roman gods

16. Executing Christians
Christians were executed for their beliefs (martyrs)
Present day example?

17. Christian Rome Christianity continues to spread and win converts
By 313 AD, the Edict of Milan gives freedom to all religions in Rome to practice freely