wh_2.6

Constantine, Conversion of Rome & Rabbinic Judaism

• Course: HIST 1010 002

• Date: Feb. 6, 2025

Early Christian Churches (250 CE)

• Ethiopian Orthodox: Judaizers

• Nestorian Church: Located in Persia, associated with adoptionism

• Coptic Church: Situated in Egypt, known for Gnostic beliefs

• Syriac Church: Regional church consisting of various traditions

• Roman Church: Proto-Orthodox, Trinitarian theology

Cultural Dynamics and Tribes

• Geopolitical Map: References various tribes and regions surrounding the Roman Empire, including:

  • Bastarnae

  • Sarmatian Tribes

  • Alans, Getae, Thracians

  • Areas such as Colchis, Cappadocia, Armenia, and others

  • Significant empires like the Parthian Empire

Persecution of Christians in Rome

• Legal Status: Christianity is technically illegal but difficult to enforce

• Common Reactions:

  • Over 90% of Christians recant; perform sacrifice to the emperor-god

  • Martyrdom seen as a means to spread the faith

• Historical Context: Persecution peaks under emperors Nero and Diocletian

• Impact: Martyrdom’s influence outweighs the small number of believers

Reasons for Roman Conversion to Christianity

• Shift Away from Judaism: Emphasis on the non-Jewish aspects of Christianity

• Historical Events:

  • Jewish Revolt (66 CE)

  • Destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE)

• Cultural Syncretism: Adoption of familiar concepts to Romans:

  • Ruler cults and mystery religions

Virtue in Christianity

• Virtus: Christianity offers personhood to marginalized groups (women, slaves)

• Impact of Christian Beliefs: Around 306 CE, ~20% of the empire identifies as Christian (various sects)

Celsus on Christianity (circa 175 CE)

• Critique of Christian Symbolism:

  • Metaphor of the "tree of life" tied to Jesus’s crucifixion and trade

  • Suggests the absurdity of Christian narratives compared to traditional stories

Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 CE)

• Instability: A prolonged period of political chaos in the Roman Empire

• Resolution: Diocletian’s reign marks a transition

The Dominate (284-410 CE)

• New Governance: Characterized by the emperor as 'dominus' (lord and master)

• Senatorial Changes: Senate effectively disbanded, leading to despotic rule

Key Historical Figures

• Roman Senators: Commentary on their role in the 1st century BCE

• Emperors: Tiberius, Claudius, Constantine's significance in Roman history

Constantine (r. 306-327 CE)

• Rise to Power:

  • Enacted the Edict of Toleration (312 CE)

  • Convened the Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

  • Converted to Christianity on his deathbed

Post-325 CE: Christianity's Status

• Religious Landscape: Christianity gains preferment but still faced internal conflicts

• Conversion Crisis: Debate on motivations—worldly rewards vs. faith

• By 400 CE: Force used to convert the remaining 25% of pagans

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