1. Pax Romana and The Rise of Christianity

2. Pax Romana Roman Peace Over 200 years of relative peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire –27 B.C. to AD 180

3. Jesus Teachings were seen as a threat to Roman Authority Arrested by Pontius Pilate (Roman Governor) Crucified (tortured to death) starting Christianity

4. Christianity Spreads Hebrews who believed in teachings of Jesus spread his word across the Roman Empire Pax Romana made travel and communication easy

5. Diaspora Disperse or Dispersal Jewish rebellions attempted to break free of Rome Rebellions put down harshly many killed (1 Million) Jews were driven out of homeland and into exile Diaspora

6. Persecution Christians did not believe in Roman gods Seen as scapegoats for political and economic troubles as Pax Romana fell Christians were crucified, burned, and killed by wild animals in arenas for sport/show

7. Constantine Ended persecution of Christians in AD 313 and adopted Christianity (tolerated practice in Roman Empire) It was now OK to be a Christian in Rome