The Roman Empire helped Christianity spread. The Pax Romana allowed missionaries to move across Roman lands in safety. The Roman system of roads helped them go from one place to another quickly. Since most people spoke either Latin or Greek, the missionaries could talk with them directly.
Student Web Activity
Visit the Human Heritage Web site at humanheritaae. qlencoe. com and click on Chapter Id-Student Web Activities to find out more about early Christianity.
Political Conditions Political conditions did not favor the spread of Christianity, however. Although all people in the Roman Empire were generally allowed to worship freely, the Romans expected everyone to honor the emperor as a god. The Christians, like the Jews, refused to do this. They claimed that only God could be worshiped. This made the Romans angry.
The Romans also did not like other Christian ideas. For example, Christians did not want to serve in the army or hold public office. They often criticized Roman festivals and games. They taught that all people would be equal in heaven if they followed Jesus' teachings.
Because of these differences, the Romans blamed and punished Christians for all kinds of disasters, such as plagues and famines (fam' uhnz). In 64 A. D., the Romans accused the Chris-
Tians of starting a fire that burned much of Rome. Christianity was then made illegal, and many Christians were killed.
Some officials paid no attention to the law that made Christianity illegal. However, Christians still had a hard time in most areas. In Rome, they were not allowed to use Roman burial places. They had to bury their dead in crowded catacombs.
The Spread of Christianity Even with all of the hardships, Christianity spread. It was of more interest to the poor workers and enslaved people in the cities. They led very hard lives. They liked a religion that promised a happier life after death.
Over time, however, Christianity began to draw people from all classes. After 250 a. d., many Romans grew tired of war and
HUMAN SYSTEMS
By 1100 Christianity had spread throughout most of Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. How did Paul's journeys help the spread of Christianity?
DH)
Feared the end of the empire. They began to admire the certainty and courage of the Christian missionaries. They wanted the love, kindness, and feeling of safety that Christianity offered. At the same time, many Christians started to accept the empire.
Constantine I and Theodosius In 312 a. d., Constantine I,
Who was a general at the time, accepted Christianity. Legend says that as he was about to go into battle, Constantine saw a flaming cross in the sky. Written beneath the cross were the Latin words in hoc signo vinces (in hok sig' nc) win' kas). This means, "In this sign thou shalt conquer." Constantine won the battle and with it the throne of the Roman Empire. Constantine believed God had helped him gain his victory. Because of this, he ordered his soldiers to paint crosses on their shields.
The following year, the Edict (e' dikt) of Milan (mi lan') was issued. It gave religious freedom to all people. It also made Christianity legal. Constantine I did many other things to help Christianity grow. He had churches built in Rome and Jerusalem. He used government money to pay for Christian schools. He let church leaders enter government service and excused them from paying taxes.
The emperor who followed Constantine I continued proChristian policies. In 392 A. D., Emperor Theodosius (the uh dc)' she uhs) made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. At the same time, he outlawed all other religions.
Before
After
Constantine I
.,1 Ll. LLi. L[.l..[.l:Li-a. U.LI.[.l
1. What factors brought about a change in attitude between Romans and Christians?
2. What did Christians believe would happen to people in heaven?
3. Making Inferences Why do you
Think the hardships put on Christians
By the Romans could not stop the spread of Christianity?
4. Draw this diagram, and use it to show what life was like for Christians before and after the rule of Constantine I.
SECTION 3
World History
