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By the third century, Christianity was well established in and around Greece and the Middle East, as well as in Rome, Alexandria, Carthage and a few cities such as Lyons in the 'barbarian' Western Europe.

Christianity had largely failed to penetrate Egypt outside Alexandria, or much of western Europe. Even Italy, outside the city of Rome, seems to have largely resisted Christianity. It seems that the Egyptian and Celtic religions had not entered a period of decline and scepticism in the way that the Greco-Roman religion had done. However, there was no impediment to Christians preaching in those areas, other than a lack of interest on the part of the population.

Christian tradition suggests that the Christians suffered constant harrassment and persecution by the Roman authorities. However, Euan Cameron (Interpreting Christian History: The Challenge of the Churches' Past) says, "Contrary to popular tradition, the first three centuries of Christianity were not times of steady or consistent persecution. Persecution was sporadic, intermittent, and mostly local." Edward Gibbon (The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire) goes further and, on a number of occasions, praises the pagan Romans for their general tolerance towards Christianity. Widespread and persistent persecution of other faiths only really began with the Christian Empire.

There was a total of perhaps 12 years of official persecution of Christianity during nearly three hundred years in which Christianity existed in the pagan Empire. Otherwise, the Christians were largely allowed to worship as they pleased, and even to proselytise their faith, as long as they took care not to offend others or disturb the peace. This allowed Christianity to prosper and spread far and wide.
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What did Romans think about the new Christian religion?

At the time of the Romans, Christianity was no more than a sect of Judaism. As with all non-Roman religions, they were tolerated provided they didn't cause trouble (which they did). This led to both the normal Jewish group and the Christians being expelled from the city.


Why was it easy for Christianity to spread throughout the Roman Empire?

A:Until the time of Emperor Constantine, Christianity spread slowly, mainly in the Greek-speaking east and in the city of Rome. Elsewhere in the west, only Lyons had a sizable Christian population. After some three centuries, the Christian population is estmated to have been around ten per cent of the total population of the empire. Constantine gave Christianity state patronage and offered various inducements to become Christian. He also began the long persecution of the pagan temples. Christianity began to grow more quickly, so that by late in the fourth century, when Emperor Theodosius made it the official religion of empire, it represented nearly half the population. Soon afterwards, Theodosius made the public worship of the old gods a criminal offence, punishable by death. Within two or three centuries, Christianity had spread completely across the former Roman Empire.


What things did the English inherited from the roman invasion 5 things?

When the Romans invaded Britain, to name just five, they brought such things as:1. Roads - prior to the Romans the Britons would have only had dirt tracks.2. Improved sanitation - such as aqueducts, public bath houses etc...3. Religion - The Romans would have brought their religious ideas with them. During Emperor Constantine's rule (which came much later than the invasion of Britain) the Roman Empire officially adopted Christianity. Thus Christianity spread in Britain, at least faster, due to the Roman presence there.4. Architectural/Engineering ideas. Ideas such as the arch would have been passed on by the Romans.5. Language. Many modern English words have their roots in Latin.


If Charles Martel had not defeated the Muslims what might of happened?

If the Muslims weren't stopped at the Battle of Tours, Islam would have spread into Europe and Christianity would have been pushed out of Europe.


What other soldiers did the Romans have?

Besides the legions, whose soldiers were Roman citizens, the Romans had auxiliary troops. These were soldiers supplied by the non-Romans of the provinces of the empire, which supported the legions. They supplied the bulk of the cavalry. The Romans also enlisted Germanic peoples who had been allowed to settle in northern Gaul or lived across the frontier of the empire as allies who also supported the legions. When necessary, the Romans also hired mercenaries.

Related Questions

Why was Christianity appealing to Romans?

Because to be christian you didn't have to pay anything, Christianity promised afterlife and god would forgive every mistake, To converte you could had been from any social classes.


What is the most important reason that christianity is so geographically widespread?

Christianity has long been geographically widespread.This is mostly due to missionaries who travel the world to spread the "Good News."


What are the major influences of the Catholic church and the spread of Christianity?

The Catholic Church has spread Christianity through its preaching, its missionary activity, and through its charity, its love of men, as it sees Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ, in every human being. The Catholic Church has been a major civilizing influence in the West, up until the last century when the protestant heresy finally infiltrated enough to slow the spread of Christianity.


Did the Romans give friends holly at Christmas?

Before Christianity became dominant in the Roman Empire, most Romans were pagans, for whom Christmas had no meaning. Two small minority religions were Mithraism and Christianity. At this stage, there was no official birthday for Jesus (Christianity), but the birthday of Mithras was celebrated on December 25th. However, holly was associated with northern Europe and would not have been associated with the festivities.


How did the roman road system help spread Christianity?

The Roman Roads effected early Christianity by the way it was spread. Paul had to spread the word of Christianity by traveling to different places. At this time and moment in past, all roads lead back to Rome. So naturally it didn't effect much except for the fact that Paul didn't have much trouble finding his way back. He spread the word to many families about Jesus and God's teachings. Almost instantly they became followers. Without these roads, Paul wouldn't have been able to spread the faith of this new belief!


Why is Hinduism not developing like Christianity and Islam?

There are Hindu sects & teachings which have been spread to the West. Eg: Hare Krishnas, Yoga, karma, etc.


What did Romans think about the new Christian religion?

At the time of the Romans, Christianity was no more than a sect of Judaism. As with all non-Roman religions, they were tolerated provided they didn't cause trouble (which they did). This led to both the normal Jewish group and the Christians being expelled from the city.


Why was it easy for Christianity to spread throughout the Roman Empire?

A:Until the time of Emperor Constantine, Christianity spread slowly, mainly in the Greek-speaking east and in the city of Rome. Elsewhere in the west, only Lyons had a sizable Christian population. After some three centuries, the Christian population is estmated to have been around ten per cent of the total population of the empire. Constantine gave Christianity state patronage and offered various inducements to become Christian. He also began the long persecution of the pagan temples. Christianity began to grow more quickly, so that by late in the fourth century, when Emperor Theodosius made it the official religion of empire, it represented nearly half the population. Soon afterwards, Theodosius made the public worship of the old gods a criminal offence, punishable by death. Within two or three centuries, Christianity had spread completely across the former Roman Empire.


How did roman christinaity dominate wetsern European society?

Latin Christianity became the branch of Christianity of the west because it became the Christianity of Italy and, through this, spread in the western part of the Roman Empire. It later spread throughout Western Europe. Pagan or Arian Christian Germanics invaded the empire in the west. However, the Visigoths who took over Spain and the Franks converted to Latin Christianity. The kingdom of the Franks covered Gaul and also parts of central Germany which had never been under the Romans. This helped to spread Christianity there. Charlemagne invaded northern Germany and sent missionaries to covert the pagans in that area. Another element that spread of Latin Christianity was the creation of the monastic orders. Monks became missionaries who worked throughout Western Europe. Pope Gelasius I sent missionaries to Ireland in the 490s. Pope Gregory I sent out to convert the Angles and the Saxons in England and sent missionaries there in the 590s. As for the domination of society, Medieval Europe was deeply religious. The church had a dominant presence through its influence on the populace, its links with kings and aristocrats and the pope being seen as the head of Christendom.


What things did the English inherited from the roman invasion 5 things?

When the Romans invaded Britain, to name just five, they brought such things as:1. Roads - prior to the Romans the Britons would have only had dirt tracks.2. Improved sanitation - such as aqueducts, public bath houses etc...3. Religion - The Romans would have brought their religious ideas with them. During Emperor Constantine's rule (which came much later than the invasion of Britain) the Roman Empire officially adopted Christianity. Thus Christianity spread in Britain, at least faster, due to the Roman presence there.4. Architectural/Engineering ideas. Ideas such as the arch would have been passed on by the Romans.5. Language. Many modern English words have their roots in Latin.


What was the main religion in the colonies?

the main reason of the colonies was to escape religious prosecution. there were many religions in the colonies. the most wide spread relogion may have been Christianity


How have pagan symbols been adopted by Christianity throughout history?

Pagan symbols have been adopted by Christianity throughout history as a way to incorporate and adapt existing cultural practices and beliefs. This process, known as syncretism, allowed Christianity to appeal to a wider audience and facilitate the conversion of pagan populations. Examples of pagan symbols adopted by Christianity include the use of the sun cross, the Christmas tree, and the Easter bunny.