WHI.06, Part 2: The Rise of Christianity and the Fall of Rome
Objective: The student will demonstrate knowledge of ancient Rome from about 700 B.C. to 500 A.D. in terms of its
impact on Western civilization by –
a) describing the origin, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Christianity;
b) explaining the development and significance of the Church in the late Roman Empire;
c) listing contributions in art and architecture, technology and science, medicine, literature and history,
language, religious institutions, and law;
d) citing the reasons for the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Notes
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Essential Understandings of The Rise of Christianity and the Fall of Rome
1) The followers of Jesus spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, bringing it into
conflict with
2) Roman polytheism and eventually changing Western civilization.
3) As the Roman Empire declined in the West, the Church in Rome grew in importance,
membership, and influence.
4) Conquests and trade spread Roman cultural and technological achievements throughout
the Empire.
5) Western civilization was influenced by the cultural achievements of Rome Over a 300year period, the western part of the Roman Empire steadily declined because of internal
and external problems.
Essential Questions about The Rise of Christianity and the Fall of Rome
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
How did Christianity become established within the Roman Empire?
What were the essential beliefs of the early Christian faith?
How and why did Christianity spread?
What was the impact of the early Church in the late Roman Empire?
How did Roman achievements influence Western civilization?
Why did the Western Roman Empire decline?
Why do I need to know this?
1) As the world’s most widespread religion, Christianity guides the lives of billions today.
2) The decline and fall of great civilizations is a repeating pattern in world history.
3) Evidence of Roman culture is found throughout Europe, North America, Asia, and
Africa.
Notes
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Jesus
The Jews
Groups
zealots
Jesus’ Early
Life
Jewish
Jesus’
Message
Jewish Teachings
The Disciples
Disciples
Gospels
Jesus’ Death
Notes
His Death
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From Republic to Empire
Directions: Using the Venn diagram below, compare the Roman Republic with the Roman Empire when both were
at the peak of their power.
Republic Only
Notes
Both
Empire Only
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Jesus
Jesus’ Death
…continued
The Christ
Christianity
Early
Spreading
Paul’s
Mission
Jewish
Rebellion
The Diaspora
Persecution
of the
Christians
Notes
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The Spread of Christianity
Directions: Below is a series of phrases that describe the spread of Christianity. Place them in order in the flowchart. Then
draw a picture in the space provided at the bottom of the page that represents one of these events. The first one is done for
you.
Paul writes the Epistles
Theodosius makes Christianity the official religion of Rome
Constantine accepts Christianity
Jesus spreads his message
Nero Persecutes the Christians
Rome takes over the
Jewish kingdom
Notes
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Christianity
Appeal of
Christianity
Early
Christian
Church
Constantine
Accepts
Christianity
Discord and
Harmony
Notes
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Roman Accomplishments
Directions: Copy the chart from the board. Then answer the question below.
Fine Arts
Literature
Engineering
Law
Which one of the categories mentioned is the most important? Write a four sentence (or more)
paragraph explaining your choice.
Notes
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The Legacy of the Greco-Roman Civilization
Roman Fine
Arts
Learning and
Literature
Roman Achievements
Latin, the
Language of
Rome
Architecture,
Engineering,
and
Technology
System of
Law
Notes
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Directions: Study the chart below, then answer the following question.
Multiple Causes: Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Contributing Factors
Political
Social
Economic
Military
- political office seen as a
burden, not a reward
- decline interest in public
affairs
- poor harvests
- threat from northern European
tribes
- military interference in
politics
- low confidence in empire
- disruption of trade
- low funds for defense
- civil war and unrest
- disloyalty, lack of patriotism,
corruption
- no more war plunder
- problem recruiting Roman
citizens, recruiting non-Romans
- division of the empire
- contrast between rich and poor - gold and silver drain
- moving the capital to
Byzantium
- decline of patriotism and
loyalty among soldiers
- inflation
Immediate Causes
Pressure from the Huns
Invasion by Germanic Tribes and
by Huns
Sack of Rome
Conquest by Invaders
Fall of the Roman Empire
1.
What were the four immediate causes of the fall of Rome?
2.
Which contributing factors – political, social, economic, or military – were the most significant in the fall
of the Western Roman Empire? Explain.
Notes
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The Decline of the Roman Empire
Political
Economic
Decline
Military
Upheaval
Moral
Attempted Reforms to Save the Empire
Emperor
Diocletian
Notes
Splitting the Empire
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Invasions into the Roman Empire A.D.350-500
Western Roman Empire
Notes
Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire)
Burgundians
Franks
Huns
Saxons, Angles Jutes
Vandals
Visigoths
Ostrogoths
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Attempted Reforms to Save the Empire
Emperor
Constantine
Emperor
Theodosius I
Barbarian Invasions
The Huns
The Germanic
Tribes
Notes
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Summary
DIRECTIONS: Choose one of the following:
a) write a summary (25-75 words) of what you believe was the most important aspect of the notes/lecture
b) write what you believe to be the most interesting or memorable part of the notes/lecture (25-75 words)
c) draw something that symbolizes the notes/lecture to you (has to be different than your title page)
Notes
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Name:
WHI.06 (pt.2): The Rise of Christianity and the Fall of Rome
DIRECTIONS: Check the agenda slide for the bellringer at the beginning of class and the closer at the end of class. You do
not have to copy down the question, but you do have to write in complete sentences. If you are absent on a day we do a
bellringer and closer, please write in the word ABSENT for that day.
Bellringers
Closing Activity
Date:
Date:
Date:
Notes
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Name:
WHI.06 (pt.2): The Rise of Christianity and the Fall of Rome
DIRECTIONS: Check the agenda slide for the bellringer at the beginning of class and the closer at the end of class. You do
not have to copy down the question, but you do have to write in complete sentences. If you are absent on a day we do a
bellringer and closer, please write in the word ABSENT for that day.
Bellringers
Closing Activity
Date:
Date:
Date:
Notes
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120