You might like<\/strong>What did ancient rome trade?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>In the Roman world, the urban economiy was the primary engine of change. Cities were vibrant centers of trade, commerce, industry and culture, and since these areas were more open to religious and cultural influences, they tended to be more receptive to the introduction of Christianity. <\/p>\n
Cities also provided new opportunities for religious expression, as Christian believers could meet in relative anonymity in sprawling urban areas. The spread of Christianity in the Roman world was thus aided by the rise of cities, as the increased population and economic activities provided fertile grounds for the spread of the faith. <\/p>\n
Urbanization was also a religious phenomenon that had a dramatic impact on Christianity’s spread. By appealing to the needs of urban inhabitants, Christianity could quickly gain a foothold in a new city, which helped to spread the faith throughout the Roman Empire. <\/p>\n
Furthermore, Christianity also benefited from the emergence of a new class of merchant-manufacturers in the Roman world, who held considerable economic and political power. This merchant class was more open to new ideas, and thus helped to facilitate the spread of Christianity throughout the empire. <\/p>\n
Political Factors<\/h2>\n
Political factors were also crucial in the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Political stability, the idea of the divine right of emperors, the presence of influential Christian leaders, the Edict of Milan, and Constantine’s conversion are all important considerations when it comes to the story of Christianity in Ancient Rome. <\/p>\n
The idea of the divine right of emperors saw pagan religions no longer receive state funding, marking a distinct shift from the traditional Greco-Roman religious practices. As the idea of a one true God began to be accepted, it was important for the Roman Empire to gain support from influential Christian leaders and have Constantine’s conversion as an example of Christian commitment. <\/p>\n
The Edict of Milan in 313 CE officially declared that Christians were free to practice their religious beliefs throughout the Roman Empire. This opened the gates for Christianity to become firmly entrenched in Roman society. With the power of political backing, Christianity grew and flourished, with the Roman Church having an increasingly larger presence in public life. <\/p>\n
Moreover, Constantine’s conversion (without any consideration of political or personal interests) to Christianity provided a powerful example to the populace and demonstrated to the world that the Christian faith was no longer considered a fringe movement, but an accepted and respected belief system. <\/p>\n
Finally, political reforms of Emperor Julian the Apostate, combined with the theological debates taking place throughout the late fourth century, helped to further solidify Christianity’s hold on the Roman Empire. By 380 CE, Christianity was declared the official state religion of the Roman Empire, and over time it spread throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and eventually the entire world. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Christianity was first introduced to Ancient Rome during the early first century. This movement was met with resistance and hostility … <\/p>\n
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