the roman empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations of the ancient world. ...
TRANSCRIPT
THE FALL OF ROME AND THE
RISE OF THE CHURCH
THE ROMAN EMPIRE The Roman Empire was one of the most
powerful and influential civilizations of the ancient world.
It controlled almost all of Europe, Britain, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa
Rome rules its Empire with and Iron First, conquering and governing based on the strength of the Roman Army.
The Roman Legions were the most disciplined, well training and advanced army of the period.
THE FALL OF ROME As Rome’s influence
spreads, so does it’s philosophy, politics, technology, culture and religion
In the late Roman period, the empire converts to Christianity.
However, as time passes, Rome becomes to big and unruly.
Forced to fight too many wars, in too many places, Rome slowly collapses
By 500 AD, the Roman Empire is gone.
THE AFTERMATH When Rome falls, most of Europe is
Christian Even the enemies of Rome where
Christian by this point, having been converted by travelling missionaries
The Church becomes extremely powerful during this period
The church is educated, organized, and has a distinct hierarchy. It is the only Roman institution that remains
The people of Europe gather around the church and become dependant on it.
The Church stepped into this power vacuum and began to take over political functions
Over time, the church became extremely wealthy and the most powerful force in Europe
THE MIDDLE AGES The fall of Rome gives rise
to a new period in European History (The Middle Ages or Dark Ages)
1000 years with almost no social or political progress
During this time, Europe was illiterate, unhygienic, and superstitious
Few social, political and technological advancements
THE CHURCH AS A FORCE FOR STABILIZATION AND OPPRESSION Pope, Cardinal and Bishop
were political positions as well as religious ones.
In fact, wars were fought over who became pope.
These men were immensely powerful and rich and worked to keep it that way.
The early medieval church was also extremely corrupt
The Church actively promoted stability and sought to destroy “dangerous ideas”
PHILOSOPHY OF THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH
Rejected all the teachings of ancient societies (they were pagans)
People should be meek and humble The world was created in perfect order, everything
has its place. There is a natural hierarchy. Therefore, if you are born a peasant, that is your place.
The pain of this world was to be accepted, only the afterlife mattered
Total submission to the will of God God was directly responsible for everything that
happened. The Bible was the only source of Truth
HERESY, EXCOMMUNICATION AND THE INQUISTION Heresy – the crime of speaking, writing
or believing in anything that opposes church teaching
Excommunication – being removed from the church – you were ostracized from all of society
The Inquisition – a special court which travelled Europe to investigate heresy
If the Inquisition found you guilty, you were tortured until you confessed (to save your soul) and then you were executed
SUMMARY Rome falls and its institutions are
destroyed The Catholic Church takes advantage of
the power vacuum and asserts power over most of Europe
The Church actively suppresses knowledge, literacy and personal freedom
The Church maintains its power through the power of excommunication, torture and execution