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The Spread of Christianity Entry # 7 The Spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire The Apostles on the Move • Peter spreads the news in Judea and Rome • Peter is killed for his beliefs – Martyrs-those willing to die for their beliefs Paul of Tarsus • Was a persecutor of Christianity • Converted to Christianity while on the road hunting for Christians • Wrote letters to Christian communities across the Empire Ex: Ephesians, Corinthians The Roman Response: One of fear • Mass spread of Christian ideas led to mass conversions – Christians no longer worshipping Roman Gods – Leads to massive persecutions, the seeking out and punishment of Christians…many Christians become martyrs • Roman Emperor Nero torches Rome…Christians – Great fire breaks out in Rome…Nero blames Christians – Mass persecutions for a couple of centuries Constantine • Constantine the Great – Battled with other generals for power • The Battle of Milvian Bridge – Before battle, Constantine believed he saw something in the sky • Greek words chi and rho (Christos) • Constantine heard, “By this sign you will conqueror” • Constantine has shields painted with crosses • Wins battle…believes the Christian God is powerful The big decisions that changes history • Issues the Edict of Milan in 313 CE – Ends all persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire • Council of Nicea 325 CE – Gathering of Bishops called by Constantine to help organize and systemize Christian beliefs The end of Constantine’ reign • Dies a Christian on his death bed • Constantine’s legacy – Endorsed Christianity as a major religion in the Roman Empire…ended persecutions – Moved capital city from Rome to Byzantium…begins of the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople) – Rome becomes even more vulnerable to barbarian invasions Christianity becomes official • 392 CE, Theodosius I makes Christianity the official religion of the Empire – Makes worshipping Roman Gods illegal (mass persecutions) • Christianity becomes organized – The New Testament (Paul’s letters and Gospels) – Church hierarchy created – Bishop of Rome becomes head of all Christendom (Pope) Question • Describe the impact Constantine made when he issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE