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Roman Religion. Western Civilization December 5, 2012. Roman Gods and Goddesses. Numina – divine forces Humanlike forms Individual personalities Government and religion linked Romans required to worship the emperor like a god. Jupiter (Zeus) – Father of Gods . Juno (Hera).
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Roman Religion Western Civilization December 5, 2012
Roman Gods and Goddesses • Numina – divine forces • Humanlike forms • Individual personalities • Government and religion linked • Romans required to worship the emperor like a god
Jewish Romans • Judea – land given to the Jews within the Roman empire • Jews, lead by Zealots, rebelled against Romans = approx. 1 million Jews killed
Jewish Diaspora • Dispersal of Jews form homeland • Would not have their own land for another 1,800 years • Israel formed in 1948
Rise of Christianity • Jesus - thought to be the Messiah • Stressed goodwill and worship of one God • Emphasized universality of Christianity
Pax Romana • Period of Roman peace • 27 BC (Agustus) – 180 AD (Marcus Aurelius) • Allowed Christianity to spread • Roads built throughout the empire– Made travel and idea exchange possible • Common language passed understanding (Greek and Latin)
Christians = Problems for Roman Rulers • Refused to worship Roman gods • Looked at the Pope as their leader • Great Persecution lead by Emperor Diocletian (245-313)
Fall of Pax Romana • Persecution of Christians • Exiled • Imprisoned • Executed • Crucified • Burned • Killed by wild animals • Martyrs • Constantine ended persecution of Christians
Diocletian • Ruled 284-305 • Doubled size of Roman armies • Claimed descent from gods • Persecuted Christians • Divided empire into East and West
Constantine • Ruled 306-337 • 1st Christian emperor • Legalized Christianity • Edict of Milan • Reunited East and West • Moved capital to Greek city of Byzantium and renamed Constantinople
Theodosius • Ruled 379-395 CE • Adopted Christianity as OFFICIAL religion • Tolerated paganism • 391, outlawed paganism and destroyed pagan temples and statues