Fall of Rome & Rise of Christianity

• The Roman Empire's collapse in the 4th century AD led to the rise of Christianity, with the Roman Catholic Church maintaining unity.
• In 381 AD, Christianity became the Roman Empire's official religion.
• Emperor Theodosius the Great was instrumental in establishing Christianity, suppressing paganism and Arianism.
• The Edict of Thessalonica, signed by Theodosius, established the Nicene Creed (325 AD) as the standard for Christian orthodoxy.
• The Christian religion, monotheistic, differed from the polytheistic Roman religion influenced by the Greek pantheon.
• This change followed prior persecution of Christians by Roman emperors in the 1st century.
• The Roman Empire's decline ended in 476 when Rome fell to a Germanic tribe led by Odoacer, who deposed Emperor Romulus Augustulus.
• From the 3rd century, Romans faced attacks from barbarian tribes, culminating in the Hun invasion in the late 4th century.
• The Roman army's repeated losses, military overspending, and halted expansion led to economic decline and fewer slaves.
• Infrastructure crumbled due to lack of funds and the rich leaving cities to avoid taxes.
• Political instability, corruption, and frequent emperor assassinations plagued the empire.
• The spread of Christianity replaced traditional Roman values, diminishing the emperor's divine status and state glory.
• Roman emperor Constantine the Great ended Christian persecution and declared toleration in 313 AD with the Edict of Milan.
• Traditionalist emperors Decius (249-251) and Valerian (253-260) briefly campaigned to promote Roman values and customs like animal sacrifices.
• The great persecution of Christians commenced in 303 under Emperor Diocletian, resulting in the arrest and execution of Christian leaders.
• Christianity spread through word of mouth and displays of spiritual power.
• Paul the Apostle traveled to spread Jesus Christ's message.
• Edward Watts notes the faith primarily spread through family, friends, and neighbors.
• Christianity spread easily because people could adopt the new religion alongside existing beliefs without changing cultural and religious practices.
• Worshipping Christ did not require rituals or hardships.
• The gospels were written in common Hellenistic Greek (Koine Greek).
• During the Roman Empire's decline, the Latin Fathers of the Church emerged.

St. Ambrose (339-397)

• Promoted Roman Christianity against Arianism and paganism
• Theologian and statesman
• Notable works include "De officiis ministrorum" (377–391) and "Exameron" (386–390).
• Developed concepts of church-state relations, preaching, and musical hymnography.
• Was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374.
• Composed hymns, including "Veni redemptor gentium."
• Influenced Augustine of Hippo's conversion to Christianity.
• Conceptualized the Christian emperor as a dutiful son of the Church.

St. Augustine (354-430)

• A significant figure in early Christianity and a Latin Father of the Church.
• Bishop of Hippo (modern day Algeria) from 396.
• First Christian philosopher and greatest Christian thinker after St. Paul.
• Adapted Platonic thought to Christian teaching, creating an influential theological system.
• Works include "Confessions" (c. 400) and "The City of God" (c. 413–426).
• Shaped biblical analysis and laid foundation for medieval and modern Christian thought.
• Formally recognized as a doctor of the Church in Roman Catholicism.

St. Jerome (347-419)

• Contemporary of St. Augustine and also a doctor of the Church.

• Translated the Bible into Latin.

• Regarded as the most learned of the Latin Fathers.

• Lived as a hermit, became a priest, and served as secretary to Pope Damasus I.

• Established a monastery at Bethlehem in 389.

• Authored biblical, ascetical, monastic, and theological works.

• The Roman Catholic Church played a significant role in medieval society after the fall of the Roman Empire.

• Towns and cities were designed with the church at the center, symbolizing its importance.