The Transitions of Roman Culture (Romanitas) As It Interacted with Christian Culture (Christianitas) And Barbarian Cultures (Germanitas)
Christianity in late antiquity runs from the Christian Roman Empire when Christianity rose under the Emperor Constantine (c. 313) up to the end of the Western Roman Empire (c. 476). The sub-Roman period transition was gradual and occurred at varying times in different places. Therefore, the exact time the period ended is varied. The late ancient Christianity lasted up to the end of the 6th century. On the other hand, Justinian conquests of the Byzantine Empire occurred between 527 and 565. However, in 476, it ended when the last emperor, Romulus Augustus died. Christianity spread from the Roman Judaea without any endorsement or state support. It became Armenia’s state religion in 301 or 314, Georgia in 337 and Ethiopia 325.the The Thessalonica Edict saw it develop into the Roman Empire’s state religion in 380
The Roman Empire persecuted Christians between the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, under the 313 AD Milan Edict and Nero. Licinius and Constantine the Great made Christianity legal in Rome. The state and local government authority were responsible for ad hoc Christians’ persecution in Rome. Persecution of Christians throughout the empire began in 250 AD. It was an indirect impact of Decius, the emperor. The edict had been used for up to eighteen months. During that time, Christians were persecuted and killed while others escaped execution or apostatized. Christianity development and growth were heavily influenced during that time, redefining the theology of Christians, including the early Church structure. The outcome of persecution involved defenses and explanation of Christianity. According to Suetonius:
“Next to the immortal Gods he honoured the memory of the leaders who had raised the estate of the Roman people from obscurity to greatness. . . .
“He always shrank from the title of Lord as reproachful and insulting. When the words ‘O just and gracious Lord!’ were uttered in a farce at which he was a spectator and all the people sprang to their feet and applauded as if they were said of him, he at once checked their...
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