Rome Test #2

patriarchal

Fathers and husbands held great legal and moral authority. Women had few legal rights Significance- Israelite society was patriarchal

gladiator

(most) Slaves who were trained to fight Significance- Gladiator contest were very popular in Rome

Augustine

1. Bishop of Hippo in North Africa 2. He combined Greco-Roman learning with Christian doctrine 3. He wrote the city of God in response to Rome being sacked in Ad 410 Significance- One of the greatest of the early Christian scholars

Theodosius

1. He was a Roman emperor 2. He made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire 3. Did it 80 years after freedom of worship was granted to all citizens of the empire Significance- by making Christianity the official religion everyone had to believe in Jesus

Diocletian

1. He was an emperor of Rom 2. He divided Rome to make it easier to govern 3. Tried to increase the presige of the emperor 4. Took steps to end the empire's economic decay Significance- Revived the economy and helped hold the empire together for another century

Attila

1. He was the Hun leader 2. He embarked on a savage campaign of conquest across much of Rome 3. Called the " Scourge of God" by the Christians because they believed his attacks were a punishment for the sins on humankind Significance- He contributed to the fall of Rome

Pax Romana

200-year span that began with Augustus and ended with Marcus Aurelius, known as Roman Peace Significance- During it Roman rule brought peace, order, unity, and prosperity

bishop

A church official who was responsible for all Christians in an area Significance- Shows that there was a structure in the religion

Patriarch

Honorary title Significance- the bishops of Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Constantinople gained the title

martyr

People who suffer or die for their beliefs Significance- Thousands of Christians became martyrs

diocese

The area that a bishop was responsible for Significance- Shows that there was not only a structure in the religion, it was geographically divided

Greco-Roman

The blend of Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman traditions Significance- Shows that Greeks had a heavy influence on Roman literature, art, and architecture

What were the social, economic and political problems Rome faced and how did these factors influence the long decline of Rome?

There were many social, economic, and political problems Rome faced that influenced the long decline of Rome. For instance, emperors were overthrown by political intriguers or ambitious generals who seized power with the support of their troops. Those who rose to the imperial throne in this way ruled for just a few months or years until they, too, were overthrown or assassinated. In one 50-year period, at least 26 emperors reigned. Only one died of natural causes. Political violence and instability, rather than order and efficiency, thus became the rule. At the same time, the empire was shaken by disturbing social and economic trends. High taxes to support the army and the bureaucracy placed heavy burdens on business people and small farmers. Farmland that had been over-cultivated for too many years and lost its productivity. Many poor farmers left their land and sought protection from wealthy landowners. Living on large estates, they worked for the landowners and farmed small plots for themselves. Although technically free, they were not allowed to leave the land. In 284, the emperor Diocletian set out to restore order. To make the empire easier to govern, he divided it into two parts. He kept control of the wealthier eastern part himself but appointed a co-emperor to rule the western provinces. The co-emperor was responsible to Diocletian, who retained absolute power. Diocletian also took steps to end the empire's economic decay. To slow inflation he fixed prices for goods and services. Other laws forced farmers to remain on the land. In cities, sons were required to follow their fathers' occupations. These rules were meant to ensure steady production of food and other goods. In 312, the talented general Constantine gained the throne. As emperor, Constantine continued Diocletian's reforms. More important, he took two steps that changed the course of European history. First, Constantine granted toleration to Christians. By doing so, he encouraged the rapid growth of Christianity within the empire and guaranteed its future success. Second, he built a new capital, Constantinople, on the Bosporus, the strait that connects the Black and Mediterranean seas. By making his capital there, Constantine made the eastern portion of the empire the center of power. The western Roman empire was in decline, but the eastern Roman empire, which had more people and greater resources, would prosper for centuries to come. The reforms of Diocletian and Constantine had mixed results. They revived the economy. And by increasing the power of government, they helped hold the empire together for another century. Still, the reforms failed to stop the long-term decline. In the end, internal problems combined with attacks from outside to bring the empire down. (To explain, helping push the eastern provinces to prosper resulted in the western provinces failing.) For centuries, Rome had faced attacks from the Germanic peoples who lived east of the Rhine and north of the Danube rivers. When Rome was powerful, the legions on the frontiers were successful in holding back the invaders. Some of the Germanic peoples who lived along the borders learned Roman ways and became allies of the Romans. As early as A.D. 200, wars in East Asia set off a chain of events that would eventually overwhelm Rome, thousands of miles to the west. Those wars sent the Huns, a nomadic people, migrating across Central Asia. By 350, the Huns reached eastern Europe. These skilled riders fought fierce battles to dislodge the Germanic peoples in their path. The Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and other Germanic peoples crossed into Roman territory seeking safety. Men armed with spears moved in bands along with women and children, carts and herds, hoping to settle on Roman land. With the empire in decline, Roman legions were hard pressed to halt the invading peoples. Under pressure from attacks, the Roman empire surrendered first Britain, then France and Spain. It was only a matter of time before foreign invaders marched into Italy and took over Rome itself. The invading Germanic peoples and the problems within Rome influenced the fall of the great empire. If Diocletian had not taken the easy way out of governing the Roman empire by splitting it into two, Rome would have been stronger. On top of this, if Constantinople had not moved the capital to the eastern provinces, the economy of the western provinces would not have plummeted. With the legions so weak, the invaders were unable to be kept away, and so eventually a Germanic leader became ruler. Historians refer to this as the "fall of Rome".

apostle

a person sent forth Significance- The twelve close followers that Jesus recruited are known as apostles

heresy

beliefs said to be contrary to official church teachings Significance- Caused division/disunity

mercenary

foreign soldiers serving for pay Significance- To meet its need for soldiers Rome hired mercenaries, many were German and felt little loyalty to Rome

diaspora

scattering of people Significance- Refers to the fact that some Jews migrated and settled in various parts of the world

What were the key beliefs and origin of Judaism and Christianity?

udaism - The origin of Judaism begins with Abraham. According to the Torah, a man named Abraham lived near Ur in Mesopotamia. About 2000 B.C., he and his family migrated, herding their sheep and goats into a region called Canaan. Abraham is considered the founder of the Israelite nation. The Israelites believed that God had made a covenant, or binding agreement, with Abraham. Moses later renewed this covenant. In return for faithful obedience, he said, God would lead the Israelites out of bondage and into the promised land of Canaan. Thus, the Israelites and, later, the Jews saw themselves as God's chosen people. One of the key beliefs of Judism is that there is only one true God. This is known as monotheism. They believed in an all-knowing, all-powerful God who was present everywhere. To the Israelites, history and faith were interconnected. Each event reflected God's plan for them. In time, their beliefs evolved into the religion we know today as Judaism. From early times, the concept of law was central to the Israelites. The Torah set out many laws. Some dealt with everyday matters such as cleanliness and food preparation. Others were criminal laws. Israelite society was patriarchal. The father or oldest male relative was head of the household and arranged marriages for his daughters. Women had few legal rights, although some laws protected them. In early times, a few outstanding women, such as the judge Deborah, won great honor. At the heart of Judaism are the Ten Commandments, a set of laws that Jews believe God gave them through Moses. Prophets preached a strong code of ethics, or moral standards of behavior. They urged both personal morality and social justice, calling on the rich and powerful to protect the poor and weak. All people, they said, were equal before God. Unlike many ancient societies in which the ruler was seen as a god, Jews saw their leaders as fully human and bound to obey God's law. Every year during the holiday of Passover, Jews retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt as part of an important family celebration called a seder. The storyteller, who is usually one of the adults in the family, explains the key events and symbols of the holiday to the children. Christianity - As turmoil engulfed the Jews in Palestine, a new religion, Christianity, rose among them. Its founder was a Jew named Jesus. Almost all that we know about the life of Jesus comes from the Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament of the Bible. Jesus was born about 4 B.C. in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem. According to the Gospels, he was a descendant of King David of Israel. An angel, the Gospels say, told Jesus' mother, Mary, that she would give birth to the messiah. Growing up in the small town of Nazareth, Jesus worshiped God and followed Jewish law. As a young man, he may have worked as a carpenter, the occupation of Mary's husband Joseph. At the age of 30, the Gospels relate, he began preaching to villagers near the Sea of Galilee. To help him in his mission, he recruited twelve close followers, known as the apostles. Large crowds gathered to hear Jesus' teachings, especially when word spread that he had performed miracles of healing. After three years, he and his disciples, or loyal followers, went to Jerusalem to spread his message there. Some Jews welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem. Others, however, regarded him as a dangerous troublemaker. Jewish priests, in particular, felt that he was challenging their leadership. To the Roman authorities, Jesus was a revolutionary who might lead the Jews in a rebellion against Roman rule. Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, the Gospels state. After his arrest, he was tried and condemned to be crucified. His body was then placed in a tomb. But, then news spread through Jerusalem that Jesus was not dead at all. His disciples then shared that they had seen and talked to Jesus, who had risen from the dead. They say Jesus commanded them to spread his teachings, and that he then ascended into heaven. Following Jesus' death, the apostles and other disciples spread Jesus' mes sage and helped establish Christian communities. Jesus' teachings were firmly rooted in Jewish tradition. One of the key beliefs of Christianity is that Jesus is the Messiah. Many people believed he was the messiah whose appearance Jews had long predicted. Jesus proclaimed that his mission was to bring spiritual salvation and eternal life to anyone who would believe in him. Christians believe that there is only one God and accepted the Ten Commandments. Jesus emphasized God's love and taught the need for justice, morality, and service to others. According to Jesus, a person's major responsibilities were to "love the Lord your God with all your heart" and to "love your neighbor as yourself." Christianity emphasized the importance of forgiveness.

Peter

1. First bishop of Antioch and Rome 2. He was chief among the apostles 3. He devoted his life to sharing and spreading Jesus' teachings Significance- He established Christianity in the City of Rome itself

Huns Goths Vandals

1. Germanic people 2. Alaric, a Goth general, overran Italy and plundered Rome 3. Vandals moved through Gaul and Spain into North Africa 4. The Huns went on a campaign of conquest across Europe Significance- They played a big part in the fall of Rome

Odoacer

1. Germanic ruler 2. In 476 he ousted the emperor of Rome 3. This event was known as the fall of Rome Significance- He ousted the emperor of Rome with ended the Roman power in the west

Constantine

1. He was a taltented general who became emperor 2. He continued Diocletian's reforms 3. He built a new capital on the Bosporus Significance- He granted toleration to Christians

Jesus

1. He was born in 4 B.C. in Bethlehem 2. He was Jewish 3. At 30 he began preaching to villagers near the Sea of Galilee 4. he recruited twelve close followers(apostles) 5. large crowds came to hear Jesus 6. Reported that he performed miracles of healing 7. Tried and sentenced to crucification Significance- Founder of Christianity and descendant of King David

Paul

1. Never saw Jesus and had been among those who persecuted Jesus' followers 2. he had a vision in which Jesus spoke to him and immediately converted to the new religion 3. Journeyed around the Mediterranean and set up churches from Mesopotamia to Rome 4. His letters to the Christian Communities are part of the New Testament 5. Promised those who believed Jesus was the son of God and followed his teachings would achieve salvation Significance- Spread the teachings of Jesus beyond the Jewish communities to non-Jews(gentiles)

What was the invasion of Germanic tribes into the Roman Empire?

For centuries, Rome had faced attacks from the Germanic peoples who lived east of the Rhine and north of the Danube rivers. When Rome was powerful, the legions on the frontiers were successful in holding back the invaders. Some of the Germanic peoples who lived along the borders learned Roman ways and became allies of the Romans. Impact of the Huns As early as A.D. 200, wars in East Asia set off a chain of events that would eventually overwhelm Rome, thousands of miles to the west. Those wars sent the Huns, a nomadic people, migrating across Central Asia. By 350, the Huns reached eastern Europe. These skilled riders fought fierce battles to dislodge the Germanic peoples in their path. The Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and other Germanic peoples crossed into Roman territory seeking safety. Men armed with spears moved in bands along with women and children, carts and herds, hoping to settle on Roman land. With the empire in decline, Roman legions were hard pressed to halt the invading peoples. Under pressure from attacks, the Roman empire surrendered first Britain, then France and Spain. It was only a matter of time before foreign invaders marched into Italy and took over Rome itself. In 378, when a Roman army tried to turn back the Visigoths at Adrianople, it suffered a stunning defeat. Roman power was fading. New waves of invaders were soon hammering at Rome's borders, especially in the west. In 410, the Visigoth general Alaric overran Italy and plundered Rome. Meanwhile, the Vandals moved through Gaul and Spain into North Africa. Gradually, other Germanic peoples occupied more and more of the western Roman empire. For Rome, the worst was yet to come. Starting in 434, the Hun leader Attila embarked on a savage campaign of conquest across much of Europe. Christians called Attila the "scourge of God" because they believed his attacks were a punishment for the sins of humankind. Attila died in 453. Although his empire collapsed soon after, the Hun invasion sent still more Germanic peoples fleeing into the Roman empire. Finally, in 476, Odoacer, a Germanic leader, ousted the emperor in Rome. Later, historians referred to that event as the "fall" of Rome. By then, however, Rome had already lost many of its territories, and Roman power in the west had ended.

What were the military, political, economic and social factors that contributed to the end of the Roman empire?

For starters, Rome's military declined. Roman legions of the late empire lacked the discipline training of past Roman armies. Also, to meet the need of soldiers, Rome hired mercenaries who according to historians felt little loyalty to Rome. Rome also had political issues. The government had progressively became more authoritarian and oppressive. There was an exponential number of corrupt officials, frequent civil wars, and an unstable government. Another factor was the economy of Rome. Taxes to support the government bureaucracy and huge military, resulted in the crushing of small farmers and the middle class. The use of slave law also caused poverty and a poor economy overall. The final factor that contributed to the end of the Roman empire were social factors. Values such as patriotism, discipline, and devotion to duty declined. The upper class dedicated themselves to luxury and self interest, instead of providing good leaders like they once had.

What was the relationship between the Jews and their Roman rulers and how did it change?

In 63 A.D the Romans conquered Judea where most of the Jews at the time lived. Rome tolerated the varied religions but citizens still had to show loyalty by honoring Roman gods and acknowledging the divine spirit of the emperor. If they did this they were free to worship other gods as they pleased. For a majority of people this was not an issue because the majority of the people were already polytheistic. Jews though were monotheistic, and so to avoid violating Jewish belief, Rome excused them from worshiping Roman gods. But religious ferment created deep divisions. Some were concerned about the weakening of their religion. These people were called Jewish conservatives and they rejected these influences and called for strict obedience of Jewish laws and traditions. This unfortunately lead to rebellion. Zealots called on Jews to revolt against Rome and reestablish an independent state. Some believed a messiah would appear to lead them to freedom. In 66 this discounter flared into a rebellion that Rome quickly crushed. They also captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. When revolts broke out in the next century, Rome leveled Jerusalem. Jews survived in scattered communities around the Mediterranean, and rabbis preserved the religious law. The commitment to learning Jewish law and traditions enabled the Jews to survive over the centuries, but they were never the same.

zealots

Jews who were not willing to live under Roman rule Significance- They revolted against Rome which shows that not everyone liked being ruled by Rome after being conquered

Pope

Latin-speaking bishops who claimed greatest authority Significance- They had more power than other bishops

Explain the spread of Christianity under the Roman Empire.

Peter established Christianity in the city of Rome, but Paul played the most influential role in the spreading of Christianity. Paul was originally someone who persecuted Christian's until he had a vision where Jesus spoke to him. Paul journeyed around the Mediterranean spreading the gospel and setting up churches from Mesopotamia to Rome. He wrote many letters that are now part of the New Testament in the Bible. In these letters he explained difficult doctrines, judged disputes, and expanded Christian teachings. Unlike most religions, Rome's tolerance toward religion did not extent towards Christianity. Many Christians became martyrs. But, aside from the many obstacles faced, it still spread. All types of people were comforted in Jesus' message of love, human dignity, and the promise of a better life beyond the grave. Persecution of Christians finally ended in 313 A.D., when the emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance to Christians. He was most likely influenced by his mother in this decision, who was a devout Christian herself. And about 80 years later, Theodosius made Christianity the official language of the Roman Empire.

What was the relationship between Christians and their Roman rulers, and how did it changed?

Rome's tolerant attitude toward religion did not extend to Christianity. Roman officials suspected Christians of disloyalty to Rome because they refused to make sacrifices to the emperor or to honor the Roman gods. When Christians met in secret to avoid persecution, rumors spread that they were engaged in evil practices. In times of trouble, persecution increased. Roman rulers like Nero used Christians as scapegoats, blaming them for social or economic ills. Over the centuries, thousands of Christians became martyrs. According to tradition, both Peter and Paul were killed in Rome during the reign of Nero. Despite the attacks, Christianity continued to spread. The reasons were many. Jesus had welcomed all people, especially the humble, poor, and oppressed. They found comfort in his message of love. Equality, human dignity, and the promise of a better life beyond the grave were very attractive teachings. As they did their work, Christian missionaries like Paul added ideas from Plato, the Stoics, and other Greek thinkers to Jesus' message. Educated Romans, in particular, were attracted to a religion that incorporated the discipline and moderation of Greek philosophy. Even brought new converts. Observing the willingness of Christians to die for their religion, people were impressed by the strength of Christians' belief. The persecution of Christians finally ended in A.D. 313, when the emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan. It granted freedom of worship to all citizens of the Roman empire. In making his decision, Constantine was influenced by his mother, who was a devout Christian. But, because of his decision, he encouraged the rapid growth of Christianity within the empire and guaranteed its future success. Some 80 years later, the emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire.

bread and circuses

The policy used by emperors to pacify the mobs where they would give free bread to the poor Significance- The emperors paid for it with taxes which caused problems for emperors down the road

inflation

the rapid rise of prices Significance- Diocletian fixed prices for goods and services to slow inflation