OBJECTIVES: Explain reasons for the emergence of

Christianity in Ancient Rome Identify the cause of the decline of the

Roman Empire Describe the changes made by Diocletian

and Constantine Explain how the Western Roman Empire fell

(Cause and Effect)

WHAT WAS SO GREAT ABOUT ROME? At the time when Jesus was born between 4

and 6 B.C.E.. The Empire of Rome was at it’s peak.

Romans had made advances in science, architecture, math, government, and philosophy

Rome had a representative Senate that was led by an emperor

CHRISTIANITY AND ROMEWhat impact did Christianity have on Rome?

RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE The Romans had a law which required Roman

citizens to make a sacrifice to the Emperor because the Romans believed that he was divine (or a god).

However, one group was exempt from sacrifice – The Jews – The Roman government allowed the Jews to practice their own religion. However, the Jews did not have political freedom.

THE HEBREWS The Hebrews or Jews were a group of people

who believed that there was only one God and that someday they would rule their own homeland. They also believed that a messiah or divinely appointed king, would be sent by God to lead them to freedom.

Some people believed that Jesus was the Messiah

THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS Jesus was born between 4

and 6 B.C.E. in Judea, an area of Palestine.

What is known about Jesus was written by his followers after his death in documents called “Gospels”.

When Jesus was 30 years old he began to teach that one should love God, one’s neighbor, and one’s enemies.

Jesus’ teachings were popular among the poor and spread quickly.

JESUS’ BIRTH PLACEPalestine Judea Province

THE GOSPELS The Gospels state that Jesus healed a blind

man, healed the sick, and performed other miracles

Some Jews believed that Jesus was going to lead an uprising against the Romans. However, Jesus did not believe in using force to spread his message

Jewish and Roman officials became concerned about the growing influence of Jesus. The Gospels reported that Jesus was betrayed , arrested, sentenced by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and crucified.

DO NOW: Tell a classmate why you think Rome fell.

Why did Rome fall?

Too Large to Maintain

Weak Economy Dependence on Slavery

Poor Agriculture

Corrupt Government

Invasions

Weak Military

Decline in Education

Rise of Christianity

THE FALL OF ROME After the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 C.E.

Rome was showing several signs of weakness Rome Suffered Economically, Militarily, and Politi

cally Agriculture became weak Too large to maintain Invasions Rise of Christianity

CONFLICTS BETWEEN ROME AND THE CHRISTIANS Roman government required that everyone

treat the emperor as a god. Christian beliefs were dangerous to the well-

being of the Roman Empire. Christianity grew in strength and the Roman

empire became weaker. The weaker the empire became the more

Christianity was appealing to many people.

MILITARY AND POLITICAL PROBLEMS The military had severe problems with

soldiers Soldiers began to express loyalty to

individual military leaders and not the empire as a whole

Political leaders became more interested in advancing themselves than performing their duties in government

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DIFFICULTIES During the 2nd C. Rome stopped expanding No new conquest = no new income = higher

taxes= hardship for Roman citizens Less education Communication became difficult People became less informed about civil matters

DECLINE IN AGRICULTURE Over farming and

constant warfare Slave labor added to

the problem – Romans were less likely to invest in farming technology

Romans suffered from disease and hunger and the population declined

DIOCLETIAN AND THE SPLIT OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE In 284 C.E. Diocletian became emperor His policies:

He believed the empire was too large for one leader to control and split the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern sections

He ruled with unlimited power and with an iron fist and did not accept opposition to his power For example, he declared that no one could leave their

job and children must work at the job of their father

CONSTANTINE 313 C.E. Constantine takes control of the

Roman Empire He initiated two significant reforms:

1- He brought an end to all attacks on Christians – played a key role in the growth and spread of Christianity

2 – Moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium which signified the switch in power from Western to Eastern Rome

After his death the Western part of the empire declined

Inva

sion

!

Invasions!

In 375 The Huns attacked and terrorized areas of Rome and Germanic tribes

In 378 The Visigoths began attacking the Romans. The Romans counter attacked but were defeated at the Battle of Adrianople – Very Significant!! ROME LOST!!

In 410 the Visigoths attacked and looted the city of Rome

In 476 A German leader took control of Rome – this signifies the official Fall of Rome

In 455 another German tribe raided Rome – The Vandals

In 486 – Clovis, the leader of the Franks, invaded the final territory of Rome, Gaul, and established a Frankish Kingdom

Why did Rome fall?

Too Large to Maintain

Weak Economy Dependence on Slavery

Poor Agriculture

Corrupt Government

Invasions

Weak Military

Decline in Education

Rise of Christianity