Lesson 2

Christianity was born along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea Early decades of the Roman Empire
Mediterranean Sea One of the world’s most natural highways Circulation from shore to shore was easy Clear skies and friendly climate
Around the sea were populations of varied character and talent
When Rome took over Athens Found itself a bilingual composite Latin in West, Greek in East
After increase in population and the conquer of Italy, Roman Republic reached a level of stability
However, tranquility was poisoned when illness and disintegration in population happened between 88 and 45
Assassination of the ruler, Caesar, led to further troubles until Octavian (Augustus) picked up pieces.
Comprehensive administrative reform led to stability, security, and peace (pax romana). Frontiers became defensively stronger Seaways and network of roads effectively bounded the empire together
Emperors consolidated huge territories entrusted to them Western extensions and eastern conquests Thirty-five provinces
One hundred years after Augustus, Christians were making impacts on the Roman world Empire was estimated at 54 million at the death of Augustus, and rose However it was a small size in population for the entire empire, it is a weakness
Compared to 4 or 5 million Jews, there was 50,000 Christians
In the 4th century, population in cities became too dense that epidemics formed
There was 90% of poor people in the city, with 2% being the wealthy, and 8% the middle class

Health was poor, women were almost invisible
Prosperity among the “patricians”, well born, and notables were on the rise City life was growing Population increasingly mobile, especially at frontiers Led to diffusion of Greco-Roman culture in the provinces
Around 200 (95 millions), population decreased due to low birth rate and decrease in intensity of slavery Military overgrowth and anarchy, pestilence, soil abandonment, economic regression Marked the decline of the empire
By 400, there were 45 millions Population was still too big No necessity for all to get married
Romans cherished a plethora of gods, old and new
Large pantheon (domed circular temple at rome) made room for most renamed Greek deities (gods) Main purpose of attending various human activities Rituals and ceremonies performed by appointed personnel Festivals and sacrifices duly practiced Commended for soothing effect they produce
Conquests made double impact on religious makeup Wherever Romans established colony, introduced trinity – Jupiter, Juno, Minerva Brought home new cults (new system of religious worship)
Meanwhile, state religion that emerged at end of republic was revitalized by Augustus Pride of honor was given to Apollo and Artemis Condition of formal and honor called “emperor cult” was introduced
More and more local deities were seen as mere manifestations of single power
Educated Romans, skeptical as to official ceremonies and popular beliefs Not too inclined to believe in gods of pantheon Believed in Providence
Greek and Roman religion had oracles Provides sought after orientation to life
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam were to have prophets and scriptures Second came the Greco-Roman world with similar innovation
Prophet receive a message from God for the people Remind them of their commitment to a personal God Insist that moral codes flowing from faith be attached to, and