A New Religion

Objectives1. Learn about the religious beliefs of

Romans.

2. Discover how Christianity spread throughout the empire.

3. Understand the Roman governments reaction to the growth of Christianity.

Polytheism

• Roman religion was centered around gods and explanations for events and held festivals in honor of their gods.

• To avoid offending any gods, the Romans prayed to a wide variety of gods and goddesses.

Religious Tolerance

• Romans were tolerant toward the religion and cultures of the people they conquered but they had to show loyalty to the roman gods and the emperor.

• The only time Romans banned a religion was when the rulers considered it a political problem.

Judaism

By 63 B.C., Romans had conquered Judea where most Jewish people lived.

Jews were monotheistic.

Many Jews reluctantly lived under Roman rule. They revolted against Rome and believed a messiah (savior) would come to lead their people to freedom.

• Jews grew increasingly bitter over heavy taxes and harsh treatment.

• Rome defeated each revolt but resentment grew.

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Emperor Hadrian

• Banned the practice of certain Jewish rituals in order end the desire for independence and cause them to give up Judaism.

• Created more anger among Jews and greater political conflict.

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• Roman army was ordered to destroy Jerusalem and forced all Jews to leave.

• Rome built a new city on the ruins and brought in other people to live there.

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Christianity

Christianity is based on Jesus of Nazareth’s life and teachings.

Rooted in the ideas and traditions of Judaism but developed as a separate faith.

Mosaic of Jesus at Church of San Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy.

Christianity’s Expansion

Christianity appeals to people because it:• embraces all people• gives hope to the powerless• appeals to those repelled by

extravagance of Roman life• offers a personal relationship with God• promises eternal life after death

Persecution of the Christians

• Christians wouldn’t worship the Roman gods or the emperor. They were considered enemies of the State.

• Roman rulers persecuted Christians as scapegoats for hard times.

• Persecution – punishment of a group of people because of its beliefs.

• As Pax Romana crumbled, Christians are crucified, burned, and killed in the arena.

• Christians began to meet in secret but continued to spread their faith.

• In 312 AD, Emperor Constantine became a Christian and removed the bans on religion.

• In A.D. 380 the Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the religion of the empire.