University_of_the_Witwatersrand__Johannesburg_8

Chapter 1: Late Roman World

• Cults and Temples

  • During the late Roman world, there was a proliferation of cults and temples across the Roman Empire, creating a pantheistic environment.

  • A charismatic figure named Yeshua Hamzah (Jesus) emerged, whose life and teachings were documented by his followers in Greek and Aramaic texts.

• Message of Christianity

  • Yeshua emphasized the belief in the Christian God, particularly appealing to the numerous slaves in Europe and North Africa.

  • He was portrayed as a representative of the Christian God on Earth, leading to beliefs in his immortality and resurrection.

  • This resurrection led to the belief that Yeshua Ben Joseph would return to lead believers against a fundamentally evil world.

• Formation of Early Christianity

  • By the first or second century CE, followers began organizing into groups.

  • They appointed male leaders referred to as bishops and their assistants as clergy.

  • This organizational structure led to the establishment of churches, providing institutional footing for Christianity in the late Roman world.

Chapter 2: Vast Roman Road

• Embracing New Ideas

  • Leaders, including emperors, began to embrace Christianity, offering tax favors and privileges to align with this new religious movement.

  • This adoption marked a rejection of the traditional polytheistic beliefs of the time.

• Compilation of Texts

  • An essential part of the institutional organization was the compilation of diverse gospels and other texts into what became known as the Bible.

• Roman Infrastructure

  • The extensive Roman road system facilitated communication and transport across the empire.

  • However, the vastness of the empire caused challenges at distant frontiers, leading to inadequate provisions for military recruits, which contributed to rebellions.

• Role of Warlordism

  • Various groups such as the Vikings, Goths, and Huns represented the shift towards a lifestyle predicated on warlordism, where no single authority held power and multiple factions fought for control.

  • In this context, slavery was a significant component, with these groups often capturing individuals from conquered regions.

• Post-Roman Europe

  • The aftermath of the Roman Empire's fall left Europe divided and rife with conflict.

  • This is exemplified in the life of Justin, the Byzantine Emperor, who faced challenges as Christianity adapted to diverse cultures and languages in Asia and North Africa.