Annika Puskar
In the Roman Empire, centuries after Christ’s death
(around A.D. 30) Christianity was slowly starting to
rise
Developed as a religious idea in Roman Palestine
Remained unorganized during the first three centuries of
its existence
Groups of Christians in major cities, but no central
organization
Christianity had spread throughout Europe by A.D. 1066
European life revolved around the Church
William the Conqueror wanted the throne of England, but
before he seized it, he asked for the Pope’s support
Christianity had harsh punishment for breaking the rules
All festivals had to be Christian festivals (replacing
pagan festivals)
Weekly attendance in Church was expected of people in
the upper and middle classes
Those accused of witchcraft were not accused of hurting
people, but of acting non- Christian
Books thought to put out a non- Christian message were
burned
During the early Middle Ages, the Church did not promote
reading and writing among the lower classes
Pope: the bishop of Rome, head of the world-wide
Catholic church
Missionary: a member of a religious group sent to
spread religious faith (in the Latin translation of the
Bible, Christ uses this word, missionem, when he sends his
disciples to preach for him)
Monks: male member or a religious order, living either
alone or with many other monks, always maintaining
separation from those outside the monastery
Monastery: building or complex of buildings with a room
reserved for prayer, the dwelling place for monks or nuns