...Today, Christianity is the world’s major religion representing approximately two billion believers. Christianity began as a small group of Judaism and is the major inspiration behind the rise of Islam the second largest religion. The Christian teachings are based on the life, teachings and death of Jesus Christ in the first AD century. The largest Christian groups include the Protestant churches, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches. There are numerous independent churches of Christians in the Eastern region such as Eastern Orthodoxy. Over the years, Christianity gained fame in Roman Empire after the introduction of Christian Roman emperors such as Constantine. The aim of this essay is to provide a description of the rise of Christianity during the Roman Empire. In the early centuries, the followers of Jesus spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. It is believed that Paul constructed a church in Rome. The majority of the first Christian groups were from the east, in Egypt, there was Alexandria as well as Jerusalem and Antioch. Due to Christianity teachings of the theology of love, caring for the orphans, widows, and sick, and stance against infanticide, abortion, and adultery it gained believers among...
Words: 645 - Pages: 3
...The Rise of Roman Papacy Hayden Wyrick Liberty University 201520 Spring 2015 CHHI 301-D13 LUO One of the most peculiar events in all of history is the rise of the papacy. During the time of the Middle Age Rome arose the need for a central figure. The Roman bishop filled that role to provide much needed stability and leadership. The focus of this particular paper will address the reasons for Rome, significant factors to dominance, and the implications of the papacy. Reasons for Rome Throughout the first centuries of Christian history, five cities emerged as epicenters for the church: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD recognized Christianity as a legitimate religious entity. It was in this early stage of formation as an organization that the church took a similar structure to the government. The key leaders of the regional churches rose to power. The five bishops of the previous listed churches were looked to as geographical region leaders. Those five attempted to establish a stable structure upon which to build. However, the bishops would often disagree. From the time of the Edict of Milan until Constantine moved the capital of the empire away from Rome, the Roman bishop was a natural thought for the leader of the young church. Being at the center of the political, social, and economical scene allowed the Roman bishop the level of influence needed. After the political powers moved from Rome to Constantinople, the only...
Words: 1520 - Pages: 7
...The Rise of Roman Papacy Hayden Wyrick Liberty University 201520 Spring 2015 CHHI 301-D13 LUO One of the most peculiar events in all of history is the rise of the papacy. During the time of the Middle Age Rome arose the need for a central figure. The Roman bishop filled that role to provide much needed stability and leadership. The focus of this particular paper will address the reasons for Rome, significant factors to dominance, and the implications of the papacy. Reasons for Rome Throughout the first centuries of Christian history, five cities emerged as epicenters for the church: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD recognized Christianity as a legitimate religious entity. It was in this early stage of formation as an organization that the church took a similar structure to the government. The key leaders of the regional churches rose to power. The five bishops of the previous listed churches were looked to as geographical region leaders. Those five attempted to establish a stable structure upon which to build. However, the bishops would often disagree. From the time of the Edict of Milan until Constantine moved the capital of the empire away from Rome, the Roman bishop was a natural thought for the leader of the young church. Being at the center of the political, social, and economical scene allowed the Roman bishop the level of influence needed. After the political powers moved from Rome to Constantinople, the only...
Words: 1520 - Pages: 7
...The Rise of Roman Papacy By Brian D. Jenkins Liberty University CHHI301-C01 LUO 201220 Spring 2012 One of the most peculiar phenomenon in all of history is the rise of the papacy. During the events of the Middle Ages in Rome arose the need for a central figure. The Roman bishop happened to fill that role to provide much needed stability and leadership. The focus of this particular paper will address the reasons for Rome, significant factors to dominance, and the implications of the papacy. Reasons for Rome Throughout the first centuries of Christian history, five cities emerged as epicenters for the church; Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD recognized Christianity as a legitimate religious entity. “The proclamation …assured Christians of legal rights (including the right to organize churches),” It was in this early stage of formation as an organization that the church took a similar structure to the government. The key leaders of the regional churches rose to power. The five bishops of the previous listed churches were looked to as geographical region leaders. Those five attempted to establish a stable structure upon which to build. However, the bishops would often disagree. From the time of the Edict of Milan until Constantine moved the capital of the empire away from Rome, the Roman bishop was a natural thought for the leader of the young church. Being at the center of the political, social, and economical...
Words: 1757 - Pages: 8
...RISE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE The invading army touched the boarders of Rome, which had been left totally undefended. In 410 C.E. (common area), the Visigoths, led by Alaric, breached the walls of Rome and ravaged the capital of the Roman Empire. The Visigoths looted, burned, vandalized, and pillaged their way through the city, leaving a trail of destruction wherever they went. The plundering continued for three days. For the first time in nearly a millennium, the city of Rome was in the hands of someone other than the Romans. This was the first time that the city of Rome was sacked, but by no means the last. Constantine and the Beginning of Christianity One of the many factors that contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire was the rise of a new religion, Christianity. The Christian religion, which was monotheistic (to believe in one god), ran counter to the traditional Roman religion, which was polytheistic (many gods). At different times, the Romans persecuted the Christians because of their beliefs, which were popular with the poor. This 16th-century medal depicts Attila the Hun, one of the most vicious and aggressive invaders of all time. In 313 C.E., Roman emperor Constantine the Great ended all persecution and declared toleration for Christianity. Later that century, Christianity became the official religion of the Empire. This extreme change in policy spread this rather new religion to every corner of the Empire. By approving Christianity, the Roman state...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...Empire | How Christianity played a part in the decline of an Empire | | | | 8/1/2014 | Paper outline 1. Introduction 2. Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire 3. How Christianity played a part in the decline of the Roman Empire 4. The situation after the fall of the Roman Empire 5. The situation in the dark ages 6. Conclusion 7. Bibliography “Why did Rome fall?” still remains one the greatest questions of Western history. Many books have been written about this topic and many theories have been advanced about the reason of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Several reasons are issued for the fall. These reasons are issued to be sequacious and interwoven. For example, one of the most influential modern historians, Edward Gibbon wrote “The Decline and fall of the Roman Empire” in 1776, where he stated that the initiation of Christianity was one of the reasons for the decline. The transition of religions in the Roman Empire, from a polytheistic religion to a monotheistic religion, leads to instability within the Empire. (Gibbon, 1782) How Christianity was a factor in the decline of the Western Roman Empire will be discussed more extensively in this paper. In the beginning, Christianity was not more than an insignificant sect of Judaism and began its spread from Roman Judaea during the life of Jesus, but in only four centuries Christianity had become the state religion of the Roman Empire. The rise of Christianity is a much...
Words: 1235 - Pages: 5
...The Rise of the Papacy The rise to power of the Papacy in the Roman Empire during the 6-9th centuries is crucial to the history of the church. There were many theories as to why the Papacy earned such central power. Included in these were the rise of the early church, and also the negative and positive effects of individuals related tot he government of the Roman Empire. Altogether it took many steps in a long process for the Papacy to gain such control. What is clear though is that the Papacy held firm control until the reformation. This paper will expand on the reasons for the rise of the Papacy in power, what allowed for it to thrive, and also negative and positive impacts on the empire and even the world. Fall of the Roman Empire There were many factors, and theories that are included when one is speaking of the fall of the Roman Empire. One of the first theories centers around disease and plagues. Some historians maintain that the Empire was crippled, as many diseases and plagues circled the Empire. They crippled families, workers and even members who were involved with the government. Another small factor may have been the decay of the army. The army say an increase in more German peoples, which may have altered the morale of the army, and even the size of the army itself. One large theory also centers around the government of the Empire. Many historians also believe that the Roman Empire set itself up for failure.(1) In the way that the...
Words: 1783 - Pages: 8
...The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire Although the Roman Empire experienced many great accomplishments the decline led to many challenges. There were invasions by Barbarian tribes as well as economic troubles. Due to a final crisis, the empire began to crumble. Rome was being attacked by outside forces causing the constant spending. The empire became very dependent of their slaves to farm the land and work as craftsmen. The Roman empire is believed to have taken about a century until it finally failed in 476 A.D. So many negative contributions led to Rome’s Empire falling. Another cause of the fall of the roman empire involved the over-expansion and military overspending. The empire stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Euphrates River. There was still not enough military to keep outside attackers away. So much money was put into the military that eventually the empire fell into a huge negative financial disparity. With the majority of the money available going into the upkeep of the military many citizens began to lose hope in the empire. The military then transformed and there was no real loyalty to the city of Rome. Christianity is believed to be another reason why the Roman Empire failed. There had been a vast majority of people converting to the Christian faith. Constantine produced The Edict of Milan. This legalized Christianity and allowed religious freedom within the empire. With the rise of Christianity, a large amount of money was put into...
Words: 558 - Pages: 3
...Many things contributed to make Rome such a mighty empire. Their influential rulers, military heroes, and engineering helped Rome to become a mighty power. Some of the influential rulers and military rulers were Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar. Pompey the Great was a military leader and a political leader of Rome. He was part of the Roman republic and the Senate. Pompey the Great contributed to many wars and even helped end the slave revolt of Spartacus in 71 BC. Julius Caesar, one of the greatest emperors of Rome, invaded England twice, completely conquered Rome, and was the most powerful man in Rome because of these accomplishments. During his lifetime, he was considered to be the most powerful man in the world because of conquering Rome...
Words: 318 - Pages: 2
...Many of the advancements made by classical civilizations can still be seen in modern day culture. Rome and Greece were two of the greatest classical civilizations in history that made many imprints on cultural advancements of the time, from inventing algebra to the rise of Christianity. The civilizations of Rome and Greece made immense cultural advancements in the areas of science, art, and religious thought. Science was a big part of both the civilizations of Greece and Rome. Greek scientists and mathematicians were some of the best ever seen in history from Aristotle, who decided that the earth was a sphere and Euclid, who wrote the textbooks on Algebra and geometry to Archimedes who began to realize the implements of the lever and fulcrum. Many of these mathematical discoveries and achievements impacted all civilizations to come by allowing them to compose more solutions to problems presented to their society. While Rome didn’t have many notable scientists or mathematicians they did have many scientific achievements as a society. Such as, roads that allowed for rapid transportation of goods and people. Another achievement was their use of the aqueduct which made it simpler for people to have easy access...
Words: 463 - Pages: 2
...Modern Rome Modern Rome Rome is a great city were many people stay the top religion is Christianity - Judaism - Islam. Rome is a great city were many people stay the top religion is Christianity - Judaism - Islam. Caption describing picture or graphic. Caption describing picture or graphic. Great holidays Great holidays Kalends – March 1 Originally this was the day to re-kindle the perpetual fire representing the life of Rome at the Temple of the Vestals. Fresh laurels were hung on public buildings. At the same time it was festival to Mars with dances of the priestly college (Salii) continuing for nineteen days. The dancers held sacred shields during the ceremony and dined out at a different house each night. These multiple festivals to Mars make sense not just because the month, Martius, was named for him, but also because this was the time of year when the soldiers were called up for the year's campaigns. Goverment Goverment (GOVERNMENT) Rome is governed by a city council with eighty members included. Every member has a 4-year term, and only one member is elected mayor. Eighteen of those members are elected to the City Executive Comitee. 15 apartments direct the city's affairs and needs: Health, markets, public works, and transportation. Since Rome is the national capital, it holds the seat for the Italian government (national govt.). It runs the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of Italy itself. (GOVERNMENT)...
Words: 1270 - Pages: 6
...The Conversion of Constantine Constantine was the first Emperor of Rome to convert to Christianity. His mother, Helena, exposed Constantine to Christianity at a young age. Constantine didn’t declare his Christianity until he was over 42 and did not get baptized until shortly before his death. Writing to Christians, Constantine made clear that he believed his successes were owed to the protection of that High God alone. In 306 A.D, when Constantine came into power and for the next thirty years of his reign Constantine elevated Christianity and the Church within the Roman Empire. By the time of his death in 337 A.D. he had changed the landscape of both the Church and Roman society. Constantine had increased the Church leaders duties and responsibilities. Before the end of century, Constantine outlawed traditional sacrifices and the state cults were forbidden. The Impact of the Fall of the Western Empire on the Church A better question is: How big was the impact of the fall of the Western Empire of Rome on the Church? Constantine’s edict legitimized Christianity and additionally the duties and responsibilities given to Church leaders. As the Western Empire began to deteriorate the people began to look towards the Church and the Bishop of Rome. The Church began to grow, collecting money, land, and power; these resources and authority of the Bishop offered the people of Rome security that the Empire of Rome could no longer provide. As the Empire lost it’s ability to protect...
Words: 818 - Pages: 4
...CHHI-301-D10 LUO FALL2013 PAPER 2 The Rise of the Papacy INTRO In the void left by the collapse of the Roman Empire, the bishop of Rome grew even more in both power and prestige beginning in the sixth century and continuing to the reformation in the ninth century. It is the aim of this paper to explain how and why the papacy in Rome became the center of power of the medieval world, the factors contributing to this dominance over Western Europe, and the positive and negative ramifications of the position becoming so powerful. Through this paper you will discover how papacy was able to fill the vacuum of power left by the fall of an empire. THE HOW AND WHY When the Roman Empire fell services that it previously provided were left untended. Additionally the political structures and authority of the government were left in ruins. This created a massive void in the culture of the empire. While the government collapsed, the Church survived and even thrived, remaining strong throughout the known world, but especially in Rome. Services previously provided by the government were now being delivered at the hands of the Church under the direction of the Bishop of Rome, which would become the position of Pope. Society turned to the Church for education, monasteries took in war-orphans, and peace and mercy were encouraged in matters involving the former empire and its conquerors. While the Roman Empire was falling, the Church was rising and society churned on both...
Words: 1631 - Pages: 7
...RESEARCH PAPER 2 THE PAPACY Jonathan Waters February 18, 2013 CHHI 301-B12 During the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the Bishop of Rome became a very influential and powerful figure in the church. Many different men held this position and were very successful. Although many of the effects of the papacy were positive, the overwhelming power they held, combined with the age of obscurantism, superstition, and credulity in which they lived, allowed many false claims and doctrines to come about. Some of these doctrines are still existence today. They have caused many dissentions throughout the centuries following the rise of the Papacy. The historical beginnings of the Papacy are somewhat hard to uncover. Due to the decline in power of the Western Emperor, the Bishop of Rome, or Pope, became the primary political leader of Italy. The word “pope” is derived from the term pappa, which originated in the ancient colloquial Greek as an endearing term for “father.” It was a common title applied to most of the Eastern clergy. However, in the West the term was only common in Rome and in the later eleventh century was made the official title for the Bishop of Rome by Gregory VII. The term “papacy” (papatus), meant to distinguish the Roman bishop’s office from all other bishoprics (episcopates), also originated in the later eleventh century. However, this position was more than just a political position. The papacy was a unique sort of monarchy in that it claimed jurisdiction...
Words: 2145 - Pages: 9
...THE RISE OF THE PAPACY Presented to Professor G. Johnson For CHHI 301-D06 LUO By Dana Peebles August 2, 2015 Introduction During the 6th century, the rise of the Roman Catholic Church increased in power. With the leadership of the papacy, this endured up until the 9th century. While there were both positive and negative ramifications of this reality, the biggest is the influence of papal authority and the effect that it had over Christianity. The collapse of the Roman Empire brought order to not only orthodoxy, but also the government. Throughout this essay, it is my desire to touch on these areas. In addition, I will also discuss some of the contributing factors to the dominion of Western Europe and what happened up until the Reformation. The effect of the barbarian invasion and the continuation of Western Civilization during the Middle Ages, is truly a time within history that impacts the church and its association with supremacy. The How And Why Of The Papacy And The Power It Had In understanding the significance of the papacy and the power it had, it only makes sense to begin with a good solid definition of it. “The term pappa, from which the word “pope” is derived, originated in ancient colloquial Greek as an endearing term for “father,’ and was then applied, beginning in the third century, to Eastern patriarchs, bishops, abbots, and eventually parish priests.” [1]. Throughout Rome and the Western part of the Empire, this term “became...
Words: 1851 - Pages: 8
