The ancient Roman Empire was one of the most successful civilizations to have ever existed. It stretched from the shores of modern day Portugal, to the deserts of modern day Turkey, from the mountain ranges of northern Italy, to the shores of north Africa, the Roman Empire was a massive undertaking filled with all older cultures and cultural traditions meshed into one. The government system was so complex and cutting edge, and in addition, the idea of a citizen was developed into the government system which allowed the common man to participate in the government and economic activities. Also, the rise of Christianity was also a huge part of the culture. The great conversion of Constantine was the pivotal part of the growth of the religion.
…show more content…
In the early stages of Christianity, Christians were brutally persecuted by the Romans because the Christian beliefs went against the Roman pagan beliefs on other gods. Traditionally, emperors were very hostile towards Christians. It was virtually impossible for Christianity to spread with such hostility and persecution. But then in 312 A.D., the emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. This was seen as a huge victory for the Christians even though there was no visible signs of victory. There was also no one specific moment where the Christians had won against the Pagans, it was very gradual and patchy. ¹ When Constantine died, he died in a white robe which signified that he was a Christian novice. He was also buried in next to the tombs of the 12 apostles and in a way was looked upon as the thirteenth in their number. In later years after the death of Constantine, the Church came under an inner struggle on the person of God and how to deal with the pagans. This struggle lasted for centuries until the attitude of the Church changed. At this time, Christianity was the dominant religion of the area, but the pagans kept a firm grip on Rome and its old pagan traditions. The Church then changed its approach on the pagans. It shifted from toleration to proscription. ³ Soon pagan worship dissolved and Christianity fully enveloped the territories which eventually led to Latin
In the early stages of Christianity, Christians were brutally persecuted by the Romans because the Christian beliefs went against the Roman pagan beliefs on other gods. Traditionally, emperors were very hostile towards Christians. It was virtually impossible for Christianity to spread with such hostility and persecution. But then in 312 A.D., the emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. This was seen as a huge victory for the Christians even though there was no visible signs of victory. There was also no one specific moment where the Christians had won against the Pagans, it was very gradual and patchy. ¹ When Constantine died, he died in a white robe which signified that he was a Christian novice. He was also buried in next to the tombs of the 12 apostles and in a way was looked upon as the thirteenth in their number. In later years after the death of Constantine, the Church came under an inner struggle on the person of God and how to deal with the pagans. This struggle lasted for centuries until the attitude of the Church changed. At this time, Christianity was the dominant religion of the area, but the pagans kept a firm grip on Rome and its old pagan traditions. The Church then changed its approach on the pagans. It shifted from toleration to proscription. ³ Soon pagan worship dissolved and Christianity fully enveloped the territories which eventually led to Latin