Topic 7- Empire Declining, Christianity Rising

• The Decline of the Roman Empire

  Where and When

  Where: Western part of the Roman Empire

  When: c. 200- 500 AD, Gradual Decline, Emperor in West dethroned, 476 AD
• Causes of the Decline of the Empire: Political Instability

  •  More civil wars
  •  Imperial succession uncertain
• Causes of the Decline of the Empire: Barbarian Invasions

  •  Increase in 200s, again in 400s 
  • Barbarians assimilate, but loyalty to Rome doubtful
• Causes of the Decline of the Empire: Declining Population

  •  From 70m to 50m 
  • Epidemic, famine (esp in West)
• Causes of the Decline of the Empire: Manpower Shortage

  •  Lack of agricultural workers – leads to reduced crop output 
  • Lack of soldiers
• Causes of the decline of the empire: Heavy Taxation

  •  Rising taxes 
  • Increasing reluctance to pay
• The Empire and Christianity ( C. 300-400 AD ) - Tetrarchy

  •  2 co-emperors – 1 in east, 1 in west 
  • 2 “caesars” (one under each co-emperor) 
  • For better defense 
  • To secure succession (ceasars next in line)
• The Empire and Christianity ( C. 300 - 400 AD ) - The Great Persecution

  •  C. 300-310 
  • Diocletian’s goal: return empire to true (pagan) worship 
  • Worst persecution of Christians – and last
• The Empire and Christianity ( C. 300 - 400 AD) - Rise of Constantine

  •  Born in Serbia 
  • Father a co-emperor 
  • Wins new civil wars in west, then east 
  • Ultimately becomes sole emperor 
  • Founds Constantinople (east)
• The Empire and Christianity ( C. 300 - 400 AD ) - Toleration to official religion

  •  Edict of Milan (313) - Grants toleration to all religions, including Christianity  
  • Paganism suppressed, 395 A.D. 
• Why did Christianity spread? - Theory of Rodney Stark

  •  Slow, steady growth 
  • Independent of toleration, govt support
  •  3.4% per year does the trick
• Why did Christianity Spread? Witness of the Martyrs

  •  “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church”
• Why did Christianity spread? Christian Community

  •  Open to slaves, the poor 
  • Almsgiving 
  • Aid in times of epidemic 
  • “See how they love each other”
• Why did Christianity Spread? The Christian Family

  •  Higher birth rate than pagan families
  •  Opposed to contraception, abortion, and infanticide (pagans v. girls) 
  • More even sex ratio 
  • Faith transmitted
• Why did Christianity Spread? More facts


   - Relatively high status for women 

  • Personal Evangelization 
  • Intellectual attractiveness of the teachings
• St. Augustine - Confessions

  • St Augustine converts to Christianity
  • Soul transforms and repents to journey towards God
  • Theft of Pears: doing the bad thing just b/c its bad
  • The conversion was like " a light of sanctuary poured into my heart; every shadow of doubt melted away "