1. The Rise of Christianity and the Fall of Rome
11/16/2018
Chapter 6

2. The Rise of Christianity1
The Rise of Christianity
Judea became a Roman province in 63 B.C.
Some—called zealots—resented Roman authority
They awaited a messiah who would restore their kingdom
Jesus was born and raised both Jewish and Roman
Perceived as a threat to Roman power
Unwelcomed by many Jews, who thought him a rebel
His apostles spread his message following the crucifixion in 29 A.D.

3. Christianity continued…2
Christianity continued…
Early Christians were persecuted
312 A.D. Constantine passed the
Edict of Milan
The Christian Church is a Catholic
one
Bishops (super priests)
Archbishop (super bishops)
Pope (Roman archbishop)
Basic beliefs were sorted out by the Church Fathers

4. The Decline of the Roman Empire
Following the Pax Romana, everything went south
The overextended economy and crops failed
Disease and starvation followed
The military was occupied by barbarians on all borders
The ranks were filled with mercenaries
Roman politicians became horribly corrupt
Diocletian and Constantine attempted reform
They split the empire and moved the capital
Western Rome fell to the Huns and Goths

7. Rome and the Roots of Western Civilization
Latin remains the language of learning
The arch, dome, and concrete are still used to create massive structures
Roman Law influences Western tradition
Equality before the law
Innocent until proven guilty
Punishment for actions, not thoughts
Unfair laws should be ignored

8. Coliseum

9. Pont du gard, Roman Aquaduct