Thursday, April 14, 2011

Christianity + Rome

Emperor Nero:
- Selfish and Evil Ruler
- The Fire of 64 A.D.
- Fire destroys 2/3 of Rome and burns for 5 days
- Nero chooses Christians as scapegoats

Why the fire could be blamed on the Christians:
  1. They are lower class
  2. No participation in public events
  3. Secret Rituals
  4. Worshipped a condemned criminal
  5. Adoption policy
  6. The Christian response to the fire - they thought it was the second coming

Galus Flavius Valenus Aurelius Contantinus:
- 272-337 A.D. 
- not Christian, but mother is Helena
- Saint Helena founded the true cross - Chi Rho Monogram
- Battle of Milvian Bridge 

Edict of Milan:
- 313 A.D.
- Document that makes Christianity legal

Council at Nicaea:
- 325 A.D. 

Catholicism is declared official religion of Rome:
- 376 A.D. 

"Triumphal Arch" from the Battle of Milvian Bridge
Early Roman Christian Era