The Spread of Christianity and the Fall of the Roman Empire

Jesus' Teachings

Emphasized personal relationship with God and love.

Paul

Spread and interpreted Christ's teachings across the Empire.

Pax Romana

Period of peace facilitating travel and idea exchange.

Diaspora

Dispersal of Jews from their homeland into exile.

Christian Persecution

Intensified after Pax Romana; Christians faced execution.

Martyrs

Individuals sacrificing lives for their beliefs.

Constantine

Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity in 312 C.E.

Edict of Milan

Declared Christianity as an approved religion.

Church Hierarchy

Structure: priest, bishop, pope.

Heresy

Beliefs contradicting basic Church teachings.

Nicene Creed

Defined basic beliefs of the Christian Church.

Pax Romana End

Marked by Marcus Aurelius' reign; led to crisis.

Inflation

Drop in money value with rising prices.

Diocletian

Emperor who restored order and split the Empire.

Constantinople

New capital moved by Constantine in 330 C.E.

Western Empire Collapse

Failed to defend against outside invasions.

Attila

Chieftain of Huns; attacked both empires.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern half of Roman Empire; flourished for 1,000 years.

Roman Temple Destruction

Romans destroyed the Jewish temple in 70 CE.

Military Turmoil

Discipline loss in soldiers; reliance on mercenaries.

Civil War

Broke out after Diocletian's retirement.

Roman Invasions

Germanic tribes invaded and plundered Rome.

Last Roman Emperor

Defeated in 476 C.E., marking empire's end.