What was Europe like before Christianity?

Answer 1

The Roman Empire was a remarkably advanced civilisation prior to the advent of Christianity. There was a good standard of living and the Empire's many engineering achievements included excellent roads, running water and a wide variey of interesting foods transported across the Empire. Many of the necessary skills were lost during the Dark Ages and not recovered for many centuries.

Philosophical debate was welcomed, with the Greek philosophers most particularly admired. Education was encouraged.

Religious tolerance was practised. Conquered peoples generally were polytheistic and were expected to worship the Roman gods, but were free to continue to worship their own gods. The one exception was made for the Jews, because of their insistence on worshipping only one God, and in respect for the apparent antiquity of Judaism. Christianity was at first regarded as a sect of Judaism, so its followers generally had the same privilege of not being required to worship the Roman gods. However, this privilege sometimes became strained after the 90s of the first century, when Christinity and Judaism split.