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The Roman Empire & Religion

The Roman Empire & Religion. Freedom to Worship. As Rome expanded it came to include many people who spoke different languages & had different religions . The Romans did not force the conquered to follow their religion. Better Safe than Sorry.

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The Roman Empire & Religion

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  1. The Roman Empire & Religion

  2. Freedom to Worship • As Rome expanded it came to include many people who spoke different languages & had different religions. • The Romans did not force the conquered to follow their religion.

  3. Better Safe than Sorry • The Romans also adopted other cultures gods. Ex. • Greeks. • The Romans were not sure what gods actually existed. • To avoid offending any of the gods, the Romans prayed to many different ones.

  4. Banning a Religion • The only time a religion was banned is when a ruler considered it a political problem. • Judaism was seen as one of these problems because they only prayed to one god

  5. A New Religion • During the 1st century ( 1- 99 A.D.) a new religion appears. • Christianity based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. • Christianity was rooted in the ideas and traditions of Judaism, but developed as a separate faith. • At this time Jesus was born around the end of the first century.

  6. A Prophecy • According to prophecy, the Jew’s new leader would restore the ancient kingdom of Israel. • The Prophets called this leader the Messiah, which means “God’s appointed one” • In other words, the Jews believed that God would choose the Messiah that would lead them. • Many Jews believed this Messiah would appear soon.

  7. Jesus of Nazareth • Born in Bethlehem • His birth marks the shift between B.C. & A.D. • Started as a carpenter then at 30 he traveled to spread his teachings. • He attracted many followers but his teachings challenged the authority of political and religious figures. • He was arrested and executed around 30 AD.

  8. Christianity Banned • Many people who became Christian faced challenges. • Few emperors feared that Christianity would cause unrest, so they banned it. • This began a period of persecution against the Christians. • Persecution is punishment of a group because of its beliefs. • People who did not worship the Roman gods were arrested or sentenced to death.

  9. Constantine • Christianity spread even though the people had to meet in secret. • In 300’s emperor Constantine became Christian and removed the ban. • Later emperors made it Rome’s official religion.

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