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The Evolution of Roman Religion and Its Impact on Western Civilization

This exploration of Roman religion highlights the interplay between polytheism, the worship of emperors, and the emergence of Christianity within the Roman Empire. From the veneration of gods like Jupiter and Juno to the Jewish revolts in Judea and the rise of Christianity under figures such as Jesus and Constantine, this narrative illustrates the religious transformations that shaped Western civilization. The period of Pax Romana facilitated Christianity's spread, while subsequent persecutions led to significant shifts in religious practice, transforming the empire's spiritual landscape.

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The Evolution of Roman Religion and Its Impact on Western Civilization

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  1. Roman Religion Western Civilization December 5, 2012

  2. Roman Gods and Goddesses • Numina – divine forces • Humanlike forms • Individual personalities • Government and religion linked • Romans required to worship the emperor like a god

  3. Jupiter (Zeus) – Father of Gods

  4. Juno (Hera)

  5. Ceres (Demeter)

  6. Jewish Romans • Judea – land given to the Jews within the Roman empire • Jews, lead by Zealots, rebelled against Romans = approx. 1 million Jews killed

  7. Jewish Diaspora • Dispersal of Jews form homeland • Would not have their own land for another 1,800 years • Israel formed in 1948

  8. Rise of Christianity • Jesus - thought to be the Messiah • Stressed goodwill and worship of one God • Emphasized universality of Christianity

  9. Pax Romana • Period of Roman peace • 27 BC (Agustus) – 180 AD (Marcus Aurelius) • Allowed Christianity to spread • Roads built throughout the empire– Made travel and idea exchange possible • Common language passed understanding (Greek and Latin)

  10. Christians = Problems for Roman Rulers • Refused to worship Roman gods • Looked at the Pope as their leader • Great Persecution lead by Emperor Diocletian (245-313)

  11. Fall of Pax Romana • Persecution of Christians • Exiled • Imprisoned • Executed • Crucified • Burned • Killed by wild animals • Martyrs • Constantine ended persecution of Christians

  12. Diocletian • Ruled 284-305 • Doubled size of Roman armies • Claimed descent from gods • Persecuted Christians • Divided empire into East and West

  13. Constantine • Ruled 306-337 • 1st Christian emperor • Legalized Christianity • Edict of Milan • Reunited East and West • Moved capital to Greek city of Byzantium and renamed Constantinople

  14. Theodosius • Ruled 379-395 CE • Adopted Christianity as OFFICIAL religion • Tolerated paganism • 391, outlawed paganism and destroyed pagan temples and statues

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