Christian Rome

I. Troubles of the late Roman Empire

A. decline of Italy

1. economy of appropriation

2. end of conquest and slave supply

3. relative prosperity of provinces

B. Dilution of Roman identity

1. reliance on non-Italians for military

2. weakened sense of citizenship

C. Political turmoil and foreign attacks

1.emperorship by assassination

D. Coercive empire of Diocletian and Constantine

1. regimented society

2. emperor cult

II. Rise of Christianity

A. Jewish sect

1. St. Paul takes it beyond Judaism

2. a man who lives between three civilizations

B. Receptivity of the Greeks

1. inclusive, self-governing communities: think polis

2. theology of a loving God

3. new religious philosophy of hope

A. Convergence of Christianity with Empire

1. Constantine's recognition of the new faith

a. Constantine's motives

b. founding of Constantinople as capital of Christian Rome

2. Church becomes a separate institution under imperial leadership

a. theological state: autonomous church under imperial patronage

b. Council of Nicea establishes official doctrine of church

3. Convergence of Christianity with Roman art

a. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

III. Collapse of the Western Empire

A. Christianity to blame?

1. St. Augustine says empire doesn't really matter

2. retreat from the world: rise of monasticism

3. the most Christian part of the Empire remained intact

4. Christianity was a primary antidote to decaying loyalty

B. Collapse of Roman patriotism

1. social and economic decline

2. state more a burden than asset