Christian Rome

I. Rise of Christianity in the Greek-speaking Roman World
    A. St. Paul 

    B. Receptivity of Greeks
        1. Inclusive and self-governing communities
a. Martyrs' resistance to Rome     
        2. Theology of a loving God new to Greeks
        3. New religious philosophy of hope

a. debate on the role of Greek ideas

II. Troubles of the late Roman Empire

A. Economic decline of Italy
        1. end of conquest and slave supply
        2. relative prosperity of provinces

    B. Dilution of Roman identity and virtues
        1. Weakened sense of citizenship 
        2. Reliance on non-Italians in the military

    C.  Political turmoil and foreign threats

    D. Coercive empire of Diocletian
        1. Cult of Emperor/ persecution of Christians

III. Convergence of Christianity with the Empire
    A. Constantine's recognition of the new faith
        1. Good or bad thing for Christianity?

    B. Church is a separate estate under emperor's leadership
        1. A new sort of theological state
        2. Council of Nicea establishes official doctrine (325)

    C. Founding of Constantinople

D. Convergence of Rome and Christianity in art: Sargophagi