The rise of Christianity

Full Answer Section Christianity also helped to unify the Eastern Roman Empire and to strengthen its cultural identity. The Byzantine Empire, which emerged from the Eastern Roman Empire in the 6th century, was a deeply Christian state. Specific developments, events, and individuals from Eastern Rome: Constantine the Great (reigned 306-337 C.E.) was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He played a key role in promoting Christianity throughout the empire. Theodosius I (reigned 379-395 C.E.) made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. He also closed down pagan temples and persecuted pagans. Justinian I (reigned 527-565 C.E.) was a devout Christian who oversaw the construction of many churches and cathedrals, including the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. He also compiled the Justinian Code, a body of Roman law that incorporated Christian principles. Impact of Christianity on Western Rome In Western Rome, Christianity also became the dominant religion, but it did not have the same unifying effect as in the East. This was due to a number of factors, including: The presence of a large pagan population in the West. The invasion of the Western Roman Empire by Germanic tribes who brought their own pagan religions with them. The decline of central authority in the Western Roman Empire, which made it difficult to maintain a united Christian community. Specific developments, events, and individuals from Western Rome: Saint Ambrose (339-397 C.E.) was a bishop of Milan who was a strong advocate for Christianity. He excommunicated the Roman emperor Theodosius I for ordering the massacre of civilians in Thessaloniki. Saint Augustine (354-430 C.E.) was a bishop of Hippo who was one of the most influential Christian thinkers of all time. His writings had a profound impact on Western Christianity. Pope Leo I (440-461 C.E.) was a pope who played a key role in persuading the Roman general Aetius to defend Rome against the Huns. He is also credited with helping to establish the authority of the papacy in the West. Conclusion The rise of Christianity had a mixed impact on Rome in the years 300 to 600 C.E. On the one hand, Christianity provided a unifying force for the empire and helped to improve social welfare. On the other hand, Christianity also led to conflict between the old pagan religion and the new Christian faith, and it contributed to the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

Sample Answer

The rise of Christianity had a mixed impact on Rome in the years 300 to 600 C.E. On the one hand, Christianity provided a unifying force for the empire and helped to improve social welfare. On the other hand, Christianity also led to conflict between the old pagan religion and the new Christian faith, and it contributed to the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

Impact of Christianity on Eastern Rome

In Eastern Rome, Christianity became the official religion of the empire in 380 C.E. This led to a number of positive developments, including:

• The construction of new churches and cathedrals.
• The development of a Christian education system.
• The establishment of Christian hospitals and orphanages.
• The promotion of Christian values such as charity and compassion.