Fall of Rome + Rise of Christianity Flashcards
Test
Before Christianity enter the Roman Empire, What were their main beliefs?
Polytheism; worshipped gods similar to the Greeks. Also viewed the Emperor as Divine
What Kingdom did they capture in 63 BC that was predominantly Jewish?
Judea. They believed in a messiah and wanted to revolt against Rome
What happened after Judea’s revolt against Rome?
Jerusalem was destroyed and many jews were either dead or enslaved
Define Diaspora
The spread of people beyond their original homeland
Define Martyr
Someone who dies for their faith
Why did people follow Christ?
Jesus’ message welcomed people from all walks of life
What is the Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine granted the freedom to worship to all citizens
Who made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire
Emperor Theodosius
What were the 3 main issues in the Roman Government that caused the fall of the Empire
Military, Economy, and Politics
What was Rome’s MILITARY like during the time of it’s downfall?
- Germanic Tribes invading borders
- Army was large yet weak
- insufficient funding towards the military
- Started recruiting Germanic warriors
What was Rome’s ECONOMY like during the time of it’s downfall?
- Taxes were raised to try to support the government and military
- wealthy people in urban areas had moved to the countryside to avoid paying these taxes
- High inflation
What was Rome’s POLITICS like during the time of it’s downfall?
- Consistent attempts at assassinations and coup d’état
- Government tried to control the citizens
- People withdrew from public affairs
- new societies formed with Germanic tribes
What attempts were made to save the empire?
- Christianity
- Emperor Diocletian divided the Empire into 2
+ Increased bureaucracy and fixed prices on goods - Emperor Constantine reforms
Constantinople
- New Capitol city
- used to be called Byzantium
- More people, wealth, & resources
- greater religious tolerance under Constantine
