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Rome: Splitting the Empire; Origins of Christianity; Omens to Decline

Rome: Splitting the Empire; Origins of Christianity; Omens to Decline. Rome: Too Big. Rome had grown too big for effective rule. Rome was too far away and the provinces often did not do as they were instructed

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Rome: Splitting the Empire; Origins of Christianity; Omens to Decline

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  1. Rome: Splitting the Empire; Origins of Christianity; Omens to Decline

  2. Rome: Too Big • Rome had grown too big for effective rule. • Rome was too far away and the provinces often did not do as they were instructed • Emperor Diocletian decided that the empire must be split in two to make it easier to manage • This created two Roman Empires • The Western Roman Empire- Capital in Rome • The Eastern Roman Empire- Capital in Byzantium • The ruler of the Western Roman Empire was seen as the senior ruler of Rome • Diocletian then moved to rule the Eastern Roman Empire. He brought with him much of West Rome’s wealth

  3. Constantine When Diocletian resigned his rule in 305 CE, he left power to Constantine who consolidated power after a few battles. Constantine changed the name of Byzantium to Constantinople and claimed that it was a city deserving to be the capital of Rome.

  4. Jews under Roman Rule The Romans permitted the existence of different religions throughout the empire, but expected people to worship the emperor as divine. Jews refused to recognize the emperor as a god Jews revolted against Roman rule in 66 CE and again in 135 CE Romans crushed these rebellions, destroyed the Jewish temple in Jerusalem and pushed the Jews toward the diaspora.

  5. Origins of Christianity Christianity began almost 2000 years ago and is based on the teachings of Jesus Jesus is said to have been a Jew born in Bethlehem who preached that he was the messiah that Jews had been waiting for The Romans crucified Jesus for claiming he was the Messiah After his death, a band of his followers, the Apostles, believed Jesus rose from the dead to redeem mankind. While maintaining old Jewish beliefs, the message was adapted to emphasize the role of faith in Jesus as the messiah

  6. Christians in Ancient Rome • Like the Jews, Christians refused to worship the emperor and were persecuted for it • Christians were often crucified or led to slaughter for entertainment in the coliseum • Unlike the Jews, Christians wanted to spread their faith to non-believers. • Many of the poor were attracted to Christianity’s message of care for the poor and rewards for them in heaven • In 313 CE the Roman Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized and tolerated Christians

  7. Council of Nicea Emperor Constantine Convened the Council of Nicea to eliminate debates over the different interpretations and beliefs of some Christians The winning side proclaimed the beliefs of Modern Christians, that Jesus was of one essence with God. About 80 years later, the Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of Rome

  8. Rome’s Decay • Rome had tried to fix its inability to efficiently govern such a large empire by splitting into two • It still faced many other major problems: • Weak Emperors: Rome depended on the abilities of its emperors and many emperors were corrupt • Economy: The costs of defending and administering the empire led to high taxes. Inflation and unemployment plagued the empire • Military Decline: The Roman empire began rely on paid solders who were often recruited from non-Roman peoples, who were less loyal to Rome. • Invasions by “Barbarians”: Rome was under continual attack by fierce tribes from Northern Europe and Central Asia, such as the Goths and Huns

  9. Attila and the Huns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMZHovydSFQ

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