the roman empire and christianity section 1...the roman empire grew to control the entire...

Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________

The Roman Empire and Christianity Section 1

Original content © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.

112 Guided Reading Workbook

Section Summary DISORDER AND THE END OF THE REPUBLIC Cicero, a famous orator, asked Romans to return power to the Senate and bring order back to Rome. But Rome’s government stayed the same.

After conquering Gaul and defeating Pompey, Julius Caesar named himself Roman dictator. But on March 15 in 44 BC, a group of Senators stabbed him to death. Marc Antony and Octavian, later renamed Augustus, took charge of Roman politics. They defeated Caesar’s killers, who then killed

MAIN IDEAS 1. Disorder in the Roman Republic created an opportunity for Julius Caesar to

gain power. 2. The Republic ended when Augustus became Rome’s first emperor. 3. The Roman Empire grew to control the entire Mediterranean world. 4. The Romans accomplished great things in science, engineering,

architecture, art, literature, and law.

Key Terms and People Cicero famous Roman orator

orator a public speaker

Julius Caesar Roman general who became dictator for life

Augustus the first emperor of Rome

provinces the areas outside of Italy that the Romans controlled

Pax Romana the Roman Peace, a peaceful period in Rome’s history

aqueduct a raised channel used to carry water from mountains into cities

Ovid a poet who wrote about Roman mythology

Romance languages the languages that developed from Latin

civil law a legal system based on a written code of laws

Academic Vocabulary agreement a decision reached by two or more people or groups

What actions did Cicero ask Romans to take?

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Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________ Section 1, continued



themselves. Octavian returned to Italy while Antony headed east to fight Rome’s enemies.

Octavian and Antony soon became enemies. In 31 BC Octavian defeated Antony’s fleet. Antony escaped and returned to Cleopatra. They killed themselves to avoid capture.

Octavian ruled Rome. He claimed that he was giving his power to the Senate. But he took the name Augustus and became the Roman emperor.

ROME’S GROWING EMPIRE By the 100s, the Romans ruled Gaul and much of central Europe. Their empire stretched from Asia Minor to Britain. Traders traveled the provinces to trade artisans’ goods for metals, cloth, and food. Roman coins were used all over as currency. The Pax Romana was a time of peace and prosperity.

ROME’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS Romans took a practical approach to engineering and science. They improved on Greek medicine. They made lasting structures with cement and arches. Roman aqueducts still stand today. Romans used vaults to create open spaces in buildings.

The Romans prized beauty. Greek designs influenced their art and architecture. Romans decorated walls with frescoes and floors with mosaics. Many sculptors copied Greek sculptures.

Ovid wrote lovely poems, and Virgil wrote a great epic, the Aeneid, about the founding of Rome. Roman poets wrote in Latin. Latin later led to the development of the Romance languages.

Civil law was inspired by Roman law, which was enforced throughout the Roman Empire. Most European nations today are ruled by civil law.

CHALLENGE ACTIVITY Critical Thinking: Summarizing Summarize the events leading from Caesar’s conquest of Gaul to Octavian’s becoming Roman emperor.

Why did Antony and Cleopatra kill themselves?

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Why do some Roman structures still stand?

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How were Roman artists influenced by the Greeks?

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DIRECTIONS Use at least three of the vocabulary words aqueduct, Augustus, Julius Caesar, Cicero, civil law, currency, orator, Ovid, Pax Romana, provinces, and Romance languages to write a letter that relates to the section.

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Rome and Christianity Section QuizSection 1

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. Differentiated Instruction Modified Worksheets and Tests

MATCHING�In the space provided, write the letter of the term, place, or personthat matches each description. Some answers will not be used.

____ 1. Philosopher who tried to stop the chaos inRome’s government

____ 2. A public speaker

____ 3. The most powerful Roman general

____ 4. Outlying areas controlled by Romans

____ 5. Used by Romans for money

____ 6. The first 200 years of peace and prosperityin the Roman Empire

____ 7. A raised channel used to carry water frommountains to the cities

____ 8. He wrote poems about Roman mythology

____ 9. Latin languages that included Italian,French, Spanish, Portuguese, andRomanian

____ 10. A legal system based on a written codeof laws

a. aqueduct

b. Cicero

c. civil law

d. codes

e. currency

f. fresco

g. Julius Caesar

h. orator

i. Ovid

j. Pax Romana

k. provinces

l. Romance

m. vault

Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________

Rome and Christianity Section 2



Section Summary RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE AND CONFLICT Rome conquered Judea, the territory in which most Jews lived, in 63 BC. The Romans allowed conquered people to keep their own religions. Some Jews wanted to be free and rebelled several times. After the last revolt, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and forced all Jews out of the city. Jews moved throughout the Roman world.

MAIN IDEAS 1. Despite its general religious tolerance, Rome came into conflict with the

Jews. 2. A new religion, Christianity, grew out of Judaism. 3. Many considered Jesus of Nazareth to be the Messiah. 4. Christianity grew in popularity and eventually became the official religion of

Rome.

Key Terms and People Christianity religion based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus of Nazareth founder of Christianity

Messiah leader Jews believed would return and restore the greatness of Israel

Bible the holy book of Christianity

crucifixion a type of execution that involved being nailed to a cross

Resurrection Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead after his death

disciples followers

Apostles the 12 disciples whom Jesus chose to receive special teaching

Paul of Tarsus disciple whose letters defined Christianity as separate from Judaism

martyrs people who die for their religious beliefs

persecution punishing people for their beliefs

Constantine Roman emperor who became a Christian

Why do you think the Romans usually chose to tolerate the religions of conquered peoples?

_______________________

_______________________

_______________________

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A NEW RELIGION At the start of the first century AD, a new religion appeared. Christianity had roots in Judaism, but it was based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The followers of Jesus—the first Christians—believed that he was the Messiah (muh-SY-uh), a savior that had been foretold by Jewish prophets.

JESUS OF NAZARETH Jesus of Nazareth was born at the end of the first century BC. Much of what we know about Jesus is from the Bible, the holy book of Christianity. Roman leaders thought his teachings challenged their authority. Jesus was arrested and executed by crucifixion. Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead in an event called the Resurrection. Many of Jesus’s disciples claimed to see him again.

Jesus taught that people should love God and each other. Jesus also taught about salvation. Jesus chose 12 of his disciples, the Apostles, to spread his teachings. However another man, Paul of Tarsus, was most important in spreading Christianity. Paul traveled and wrote letters explaining Christianity. He helped Christianity break away from Judaism.

THE GROWTH OF CHRISTIANITY As Christianity became more popular, Roman leaders began to worry. Some local leaders arrested and killed Christians. These martyrs died for their religious beliefs. Some Roman emperors outlawed Christianity and persecuted Christians.

In the early 300s, emperor Constantine became a Christian and removed the bans on Christians. Later Christianity became the official religion of Rome.

CHALLENGE ACTIVITY Critical Thinking: Drawing Conclusions Paul of Tarsus has been called the most influential man in the history of Christianity besides Jesus. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

What risks did early Christians face in spreading their religion?

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_______________________

_______________________

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In Jewish teaching, who was the Messiah?

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DIRECTIONS Read each sentence and fill in the blank with the word in the word pair that best completes the sentence.

1. Twelve of Jesus’ closest followers called the ______________________ received special training and were sent to spread his teachings. (Apostles/martyrs)

2. The holy book of Christianity is called the _______________________. (Messiah/Bible)

3. Christianity was based on the teachings of a man named

_____________________. (Constantine/Jesus of Nazareth)

4. People who die for their religious beliefs are called _______________________. (Apostles/martyrs)

5. _____________________ traveled and wrote letters to spread Christian teachings. (Constantine/Paul of Tarsus)

6. Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead in the ________________________. (crucifixion/Resurrection)

7. In the first century BC, many Jews were awaiting the arrival of a promised savior

called the ______________________. (disciple/Messiah)

8. _______________________ is punishment because of one’s beliefs. (Resurrection/Persecution)

9. The emperor ______________________ removed all bans against Christianity in Rome. (Constantine/Paul of Tarsus)

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

156 Progress Assessment

Name Class Date

Rome and Christianity Section Quiz

Section 2

FILL IN THE BLANK For each of the following statements, fill in the blank with the appropriate word, phrase, or name.

1. When the conquered people, they generally allowed them to keep their own religious beliefs and customs.

2. At the beginning of the first century AD, a new religion appeared in Judea called

.

3. The Jews were waiting for the which means “God’s Chosen One”.

4. Divided into two parts, Old and New Testament, the is the holy book of Christianity.

5. was a type of execution in which a person was nailed to a cross.

6. Christians refer to Jesus’ rise from the dead as the .

7. The were 12 men whom Jesus chose to receive special training.

8. of Tarses traveled throughout the Roman world spreading Christian teachings.

9. People who die for their religious beliefs are called .

10. means punishing a group because of its beliefs.

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Rome and Christianity Section 3



Section Summary PROBLEMS IN THE EMPIRE At its height the Roman Empire ruled all of the land around the Mediterranean Sea. But by the late 100s, emperors had to give up some land.

Rome had to defend itself constantly from attacks from the north and the east. Problems came from within the empire, too. Disease killed many people. Taxes were high. Food was scarce because many farmers went to war. To increase food production, Germanic farmers were invited to work on Roman lands, but they were not loyal to Rome.

The emperor Diocletian took power in the late 200s. He ruled the east himself and chose a co-emperor to rule the west. The emperor Constantine reunited the empire for a short time. He moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople in the east.

MAIN IDEAS 1. Many problems threatened the Roman Empire, leading one emperor to

divide it in half. 2. Rome declined as a result of invasions and political and economic problems. 3. In the eastern empire, people created a new society and religious traditions

that were very different from those in the west.

Key Terms and People Diocletian emperor who divided the Roman Empire into two parts

Attila fearsome Hun leader who attacked Rome’s eastern empire

corruption decay in people’s values

Justinian last ruler of the Roman Empire

Theodora Justinian’s wife, a wise woman who advised her husband during his reign

Byzantine Empire civilization that developed in the eastern Roman Empire

Academic Vocabulary efficient productive and not wasteful

Name three problems facing the Roman Empire in the late 100s.

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Which emperor divided the Roman Empire? Which emperor reunited it?

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THE DECLINE OF ROME Once the capital moved to the east, barbarians attacked Roman territory in the north. During the late 300s, an Asian group called the Huns began attacking the Goths. The Goths were forced into Roman territory. In the end, the Goths broke through into Italy and destroyed Rome.

The Vandals, Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Franks all invaded Roman territory in the west. The Huns under Attila raided in the east. In 476 a barbarian leader overthrew the Roman emperor and became king. This ended the western empire.

The vast size of the Roman empire also contributed to its fall. The government was not efficient, and it suffered from corruption. Rome was no longer the great center it had once been.

A NEW EASTERN EMPIRE As Rome fell, the eastern empire prospered. Justinian ruled the east in the 500s. He wanted to reunite the Roman Empire. His armies recaptured Italy. He was respected for making laws more fair. But he made enemies who tried to overthrow him. Justinian got advice from his wife Theodora and was able to keep his throne. Despite Justinian’s success, the empire declined for 700 years. In 1453 Constantinople was defeated by the Ottoman Turks.

People in the eastern empire began to follow non-Roman influences. The Byzantine Empire developed in the east. This empire practiced Christianity differently than Romans. In the 1000s, the church split in two. In the east the Eastern Orthodox Church formed. Thus religion further divided eastern and western Europe.

CHALLENGE ACTIVITY Critical Thinking: Drawing Inferences Was there anything rulers could have done to stop the disintegration of the Roman empire, or was it inevitable? Write a one-page essay explaining your answer.

What are two factors that led to the weakening of the Roman Empire?

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What name was given to the society that developed out of the Eastern Roman Empire?

________________________

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Who was Justinian’s most trusted advisor?

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DIRECTIONS Answer each question by writing a sentence that contains at least one word from the word bank. 1. Who divided the Roman Empire in the late 200s?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________ 2. Who was the fearsome leader of the Huns?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________ 3. What do we call the decay of people’s values?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________ 4. Which eastern Roman emperor had passion for the law and the church?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________ 5. Who was Justinian’s smart and powerful wife?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________ 6. What do historians call the society that developed in the eastern Roman Empire?

_________________________________________________________________

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Attila Byzantine Empire corruption

Diocletian Justinian Theodora



Name Class Date

Rome and Christianity Section Quiz

Section 3

TRUE/FALSE Mark each statement T if it is true or F if it is false. If false explain why.

______ 1. Convinced that the empire was too big for one person to rule, Constantine divided it in two.

______ 2. The new capital of the Roman Empire was Constantinople.

______ 3. The Huns led by a fearsome leader named Attila, raided Roman territory in the east.

______ 4. Emperor Justinian was unable to reconquer parts of the fallen empire.

______ 5. Historians call the society that developed in the eastern Roman Empire the Byzantine.

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24 Rome and Christianity

Name Class Date

Rome and Christianity Chapter Review

REVIEWING VOCABULARY, TERMS, AND PEOPLEIn the space provided, write the word from the word bank below that best matches each description.

________________________ 1. A peaceful period during the beginning of the Roman Empire.

________________________ 2. A fearsome leader of the Huns.

________________________ 3. A man who helped to spread Christianity by travel-ing through the Roman world and writing about Christian teachings.

________________________ 4. Punishing a group because of its religious beliefs.

________________________ 5. People who die for their religious beliefs.

________________________ 6. Languages that developed from Latin.

BIG IDEAS 1. After changing from a republic to an empire, Rome grew politically and

economically, and developed a culture that influenced later civilizations.

2. People in the Roman Empire practiced many religions before Christianity, based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, spread and became Rome’s official religion.

3. Problems from both inside and outside caused the Roman Empire to split into a western half, which collapsed, and an eastern half that prospered for hundreds of years.

Paul of Tarsus Romance languages Cicero

Julius Caesar Christianity Attila

martyrs Pax Romana Augustus

Jesus of Nazareth persecution corruption

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Name Class Date

Rome and Christianity, continued Chapter Review

COMPREHENSION AND CRITICAL THINKINGRead each of the following groups of sentences, and put them in

sequence in the blanks provided.

1. ___, ___, ___, ___ a. A barbarian general names himself king of Italy, bringing an end to the western

Roman Empire.

b. Augustus becomes the first emperor of the Roman Empire. c. Diocletian divides the Roman Empire in half. d. The Ottoman Turks capture Constantinople, bringing an end to the eastern

Roman Empire.

REVIEWING THEMESUsing the themes listed below, determine which is identified by each

statement.

Themes

geography politics economicstechnology and

innovationsociety and

culturereligion

________________________ 1. Corrupt officials helped to bring about the decline of the Roman Empire.

________________________ 2. The Romans developed new materials and designs that helped create architectural advances.

REVIEW ACTIVITY: JEOPARDY-STYLE GAMEWorking with a partner or a small group, create a game based on the

TV show Jeopardy. In Jeopardy, the game show host states an answer and

the players respond by asking a question. For example, the host could

say “Christianity.” A player could respond, “What religion did Jesus of

Nazareth start?” Create a list of key words, terms, and names described

in the chapter. This list will be the “answers.” For each “answer,” create a

list of matching questions. Develop rules, a point system, and a method

for keeping score. If possible, play the game with your classmates.

Include at least 12 words and matching questions. Following are a few

ideas to help you get started.

rulers people religions achievements

empires warriors beliefs languages

events customs politics literature

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Name Class Date

MULTIPLE CHOICE

Rome and Christianity Chapter Test

Form A

______ 1. After Caesar’s rule, Octavian a. persuaded Cleopatra to

become Rome’s ally.

b. worked to capture Caesar’s killers.

c. established new trade routes.

d. battled Gaul again.

______ 2. Roman roads were built primarily in order to allow

a. senators to get to the Senate.

b. Rome’s armies to travel through the empire.

c. merchants to travel safely. d. slaves to travel into the

countryside.

______ 3. Which of the following is the main reason why the Roman

language spread to the

farthest parts of the empire?

a. The Romans wrote poetry. b. The Romans wrote

speeches.

c. The Romans established the first school system.

d. The Romans conducted business in their language.

______ 4. The emperor believed that by banning certain Jewish

rituals, people would

a. fight harder. b. give up Judaism. c. participate in trading. d. participate in the military.

______ 5. Which of the following bestdescribes why many people

became followers of Jesus?

a. He traveled and taught them about his ideas.

b. They read what he wrote in the Bible.

c. The emperor ordered them to follow Jesus.

d. The Torah told them to follow a man named Jesus.

______ 6. The Roman Empire fell for all of the following reasons

except

a. disease. b. lack of leadership. c. increased taxes. d. corruption.

______ 7. Which word best describes the Roman approach to

science and engineering?

a. practical b. experimental c. majestic d. original

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Rome and Christianity, continued Chapter Test Form A



Name Class Date

______ 8. What effect did the occupation of Judea have

on the Roman Empire?

a. It brought peace to the regions.

b. It allowed traders to track trade routes.

c. It caused the Jews to rebel against Roman rule.

d. It caused the Jews to become part of the

government.

______ 9. Which of the following bestsummarizes an effect the

military battles had on

farming?

a. New farming techniques began to develop.

b. New crop varieties began to develop.

c. There were not enough farmers to grow food.

d. There were not enough soldiers to fight in the

army.

______ 10. Which of the following bestdescribes why Roman

emperors by the end of the

AD 100s started giving up

land the Roman army

conquered?

a. They feared the taxes would be too high.

b. They feared the empire had become too large to

defend efficiently.

c. They feared the empire had become too small to

defend efficiently.

d. They feared the farmers would become upset.

______ 11. The Romans frequently made payments to the Goths. This

system was essentially a way

to prevent the

a. Romans from trading with the Goths.

b. Romans from trading with the Huns.

c. Goths from attacking Rome.

d. Goths from farming in the Roman Empire.

______ 12. What effect did Theodora have on the riots in AD 532?

a. She rewrote civil laws. b. She helped the emperor

put an end to the

uprisings.

c. She helped the people in the uprisings achieve their

demands.

d. She demonstrated in the uprisings herself.





Name Class Date

PRACTICING SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS Study the information below and answer the question that follows.

Christian HolidaysFor centuries, Christians have honored key events in Jesus’s life. Some of these events inspired holidays that Christians celebrate today.

The most sacred holiday for Christians is Easter, which is celebrated each spring. Easter is a celebration of the Resurrection, Jesus’s rising from the dead. Christians usually celebrate Easter by attending church services. Many people also celebrate by dyeing eggs because eggs are seen as a symbol of new life.

Another major Christian holiday is Christmas. It honors Jesus’s birth and is celebrated every December 25. Although no one knows on what date Jesus was actually born, Christians have placed Christmas in December since the 200s. Today, people celebrate with church services and the exchange of gifts.

______ 13. What is one similarity between Christmas and Easter? a. Both were celebrated in ancient Rome. b. Neither is celebrated on the same date every year. c. Both are celebrated in the spring. d. Neither is based on an exact date in history.

COMPLETION

1. Between 58 and 50 BC Julius Caesar conquered nearly all of

. (Gaul/Italy)

2. The Romans created lasting structures by using . (arches/aqueducts)

3. The tells about the life and teachings of Jesus. (Old Testament/New Testament)

4. Romans called the capital of the eastern empire . (Constantinople/Byzantium)

5. Most people in the Byzantine Empire spoke .(Latin/Greek)





Name Class Date

TRUE/FALSE

______ 1. Caesar took the title princeps, or “first citizen.”

______ 2. People who were conquered by the Romans were generally allowed to worship whatever gods they pleased.

______ 3. Early Christians spread the teachings of Jesus only among Jews.

______ 4. Early Christians believed that the Resurrection meant that Jesus was the Messiah.

______ 5. By the end of the AD 100s, the only threats to the Roman Empire came from outside of the empire.

MATCHING Match each item with the correct statement.

______ 1. A person who is a public speaker

______ 2. Outlying areas that Rome controlled

______ 3. A word that means “God’s chosen one” in Hebrew

______ 4. A person who dies for his or her religious beliefs

______ 5. The decay of people’s values

______ 6. A legal system based on a written code of laws

______ 7. A famous Roman poet

______ 8. A religion that began in the first century AD

______ 9. People who follow the teachings of another person

______ 10. Punishing a group because of its beliefs

a. provinces

b. Cicero

c. disciples

d. Pax Romana

e. corruption

f. orator

g. Christianity

h. apostles

i. Messiah

j. civil law

k. martyr

l. persecution

m. Ovid




Name Class Date

Form B

Rome and Christianity Chapter Test

SHORT ANSWER

1. Why was Julius Caesar killed?

2. How did Roman conquests help trade?

3. Why did Hadrian ban some Jewish rituals?

4. Why is the cross a symbol of Christianity?

5. What was the result of Justinian’s changes to Roman laws?

PRACTICING SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS Study the information below and answer the question that follows.

Christian HolidaysFor centuries, Christians have honored key events in Jesus’s life. Some of these events inspired holidays that Christians celebrate today.

The most sacred holiday for Christians is Easter, which is celebrated each spring. Easter is a celebration of the Resurrection, Jesus’s rising from the dead. Christians usually celebrate Easter by attending church services. Many people also celebrate by dyeing eggs because eggs are seen as a symbol of new life.

Another major Christian holiday is Christmas. It honors Jesus’s birth and is celebrated every December 25. Although no one knows on what date Jesus was actually born, Christians have placed Christmas in December since the 200s. Today, people celebrate with church services and the exchange of gifts.

6. What is one similarity between the dates on which Christmas and Easter are celebrated?

7. Why do some people celebrate Easter by dyeing eggs?




Name Class Date

Rome and Christianity Biography

Ciceroc. 106–43 BC

As you read the biography below, think about how Cicero’s intelligence and dedication to lan-guage helped change history.

Cicero (SIS-uh-roh) was a statesman in Rome. He was best known for his orations, which he also wrote down. Cicero’s writings made him one of the most respected and influential writers in Rome. By the time he died, Cicero had written more than 100 orations.

Cicero was born in Italy to middle-class parents. He studied many subjects in school, including law, rhetoric, philosophy, and literature. Cicero visited Rome, Athens, and Rhodes. At Athens, Cicero studied with Titus Pomponius Atticus, who became a lifelong friend.

Cicero wrote many letters, a large number of which still exist. Cicero wrote letters to his brother, to his friend Atticus, and even to Brutus (one of Julius Caesar’s assassins). Cicero’s letters reveal much about Roman life in his time.

Cicero also contributed to language by translating ideas and technical terms from Greek into Latin. He improved Latin so much that it became an international language for centuries to come.

WHY HE MADE HISTORY Cicero translated many ideas and words from Greek into Latin. As a result, Latin became the language known for intellectual communication.

VOCABULARYoration a formal speech,

often given for a ceremony or special occasion

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Name Class Date

Politically, Cicero was very vocal. While serving

in the Roman Senate, he strongly opposed Caesar.

Cicero called on Romans to limit the power of the

generals and give control of the government back

to the Senate. When Caesar was assassinated, Cicero

applauded his death. But loyal supporters of Caesar

did not tolerate Cicero’s opposition. Cicero was

banished from Rome in 58 BC because of his

political views. Cicero returned to Rome in 57 BC.

Marc Antony and Cicero were enemies. The

second triumvirate—Octavian, Lepidus, and Marc

Antony—were all supporters of Caesar. The three

disapproved of Cicero’s political beliefs, and Antony

included Cicero’s name on a list of condemned

Romans. Cicero was killed in 43 BC.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

1. What subjects did Cicero study?

2. Contrast How is politics different in America today than in Rome during Cicero’s time?

ACTIVITY

3. Think about Cicero and his writings. Write a letter to a friend or family member describing what you have learned about Cicero.

Cicero, continued Biography




Name Class Date

Rome and Christianity History and Geography

The Spread of ChristianityChristianity spread quickly. This was due in part to Paul of Tarsus, who traveled throughout the Roman world spreading Christian teachings. He traveled on the road networks that connected areas of the Roman Empire. One hundred years after Jesus’s death, thousands of Christians lived in the Roman Empire. Over time, Christianity became so popular that the emperor made it Rome’s official religion.

MAP ACTIVITY

1. On the map, label the city of Rome.

2. Use a light color to highlight the boundary of the Roman Empire.

Christian areas, AD 300

Christian areas, AD 400

Boundary of Roman Empire, AD 395

0 250 500 Miles

0 250 500 Kilometers

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Name Class Date

The Spread of Christianity, continued History and Geography

3. On the map, label Africa.

4. On the map, label the Mediterranean Sea.

5. Update the map legend to reflect the colors you added to the map.

ANALYZING MAPS

1. Place Which major areas showed Christian influence between AD 300 and 400?

2. Location What river in Egypt had Christian areas by 400?

3. Place During what period did Christianity spread to Spain?

4. Region Why might an emperor of Rome make Christianity Rome’s official religion?

5. Movement Why might the construction of the roads have been so important to the spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire?

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Name Class Date


Marc Antonyc. 82–30 BC

As you read the biography below, think about how Marc Antony’s loyalty to Caesar helped him make decisions for Rome.

Marc Antony was born Marcus Antonius. His father died while Antony was very young. He and his brothers were raised by their mother. Antony studied rhetoric, but proved his worth to Rome with his courage and skills as a cavalry commander.

Antony was a supporter of Caesar. When Caesar became dictator of Rome, Antony served under him as “master of the horse.” No matter what conflicts occurred, Marc Antony remained loyal to Caesar. When Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, Antony fled Rome dressed as a slave because he was afraid that Caesar’s supporters would also be killed. Antony returned to Rome to give Caesar’s eulogy. The Romans were so moved by Antony’s speech that they rose up against Caesar’s killers.

Marc Antony formed an alliance with two other important Romans, Lepidus and Octavian. This group divided the Roman Empire among them-selves. Antony took the eastern provinces.

Marc Antony traveled to Egypt to see Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, in 41 BC. Antony and Cleopatra became lovers. Antony borrowed money from Egypt and built an army. His goal was to subdue tribes in Armenia. Antony’s first attempt was disastrous. Around 38 BC, Antony invaded Armenia again and

WHY HE MADE HISTORY Marc Antony was a Roman general and supporter of Julius Caesar. He was a part of the Second Trium-virate that ruled Rome after Caesar’s death.

VOCABULARYeulogy a speech or tribute

given for someone who has died




Name Class Date

Marc Antony, continued Biography

was successful. Antony and his soldiers returned to

Egypt and celebrated the victory.

During the celebration, Antony announced that

he was ending his alliance with Octavian. He also

proclaimed that his and Cleopatra’s children would

rule over various kingdoms around Egypt. This

made Antony very unpopular in Rome. Antony

divorced his wife, who was Octavian’s sister, to be

with Cleopatra. Octavian saw this as an insult both

to his sister and to himself.

In 31 BC, Octavian sent the Roman navy to Egypt

to attack Antony. Antony’s fleet was defeated at the

Battle of Actium. Antony escaped back to Egypt,

where he and Cleopatra both committed suicide so

they wouldn’t become Octavian’s prisoners.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

1. What were two things that Marc Antony did?

2. Draw Conclusions Why do you think Marc Antony lost influence in Rome?

ACTIVITY

3. Create a timeline on a separate sheet of paper. Using what you have learned about Marc Antony, make a list of events that took place in his life in the order

that they occurred.




Name Class Date


Saint Peterc. ?–64

As you read the biography below, think about how Peter’s faith led him to be the first to

publicly preach Christianity.

Saint Peter was born Simon in Bethsaida, Palestine. His family was Jewish. His father was named Jonas

and his brother was Andrew. Andrew and Peter were

later to become two of Jesus’s Apostles in Jerusalem.Peter and Andrew were fisherman near the Sea of

Galilee, along with a man named Philip. It was then

that they met Jesus, who asked the three of them to

travel with him. Peter became one of Jesus’s most

loyal and trusted companions. Jesus gave him the

name of Peter, which means the “rock” in Greek.

In the New Testament of the Bible, Peter appears

to be a leader of the other disciples. Jesus refers

to Peter as the rock upon which he will build his

church. Roman Catholics believe that this means

that Jesus chose Peter to be the head of his church,

and that the pope is the successor of Peter. However

Protestants believe that Jesus intended for his

church to be founded based on Peter’s strong faith

in him. While the two churches may disagree on

this issue, they both agree that Peter was the leader

of the early Christian movement.

WHY HE MADE HISTORY Peter was an Apostle of Jesus of Nazareth. He was a leader of the Christian community and Roman Catholics consider him to be the first head of the church.

VOCABULARYApostles the twelve chosen

disciples of Jesus

Resurrection Jesus’s rise from death

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Name Class Date

According to the Gospels, Peter drew his sword to

defend Jesus when the Romans arrested Jesus after

the Last Supper. But that same night, Peter is said to

have denied three times that he knew Jesus, just as

Jesus had predicted that he would.

After the Resurrection, Jesus is said to have appeared to Peter in a vision. Peter then became

the first man to publicly preach Christianity. He led

the other disciples in spreading the teachings

of Jesus.

Later in his life, Peter and his wife left Jerusalem

to go on a missionary journey. According to

Christian tradition, Peter became the first bishop of

Antioch in Syria, and was the first bishop of Rome.

He is believed to have died as a martyr during the

persecution of Christians in Rome by the Emperor

Nero sometime around 64.

Years after he died, a shrine that supposedly

contained Peter’s remains was built in Rome.

Christians visited his shrine to honor him. Saint

Peter’s Basilica stands on that site today.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

1. For what is Saint Peter known?

2. Sequence In what order did the events of Peter’s life occur?

ACTIVITY

3. Think about what you have read about Saint Peter. Using an encyclopedia or another resource, see what you can find out about Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Write a paragraph describing what you find.

Saint Peter, continued Biography

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Name Class Date

Tales from Ovidby Ted Hughes

As you read the passage below, pay attention to the mythological elements of the story.

ATALANTA

“Once the greatest runner was a woman—so swift

She outran every man.

It is true. She could and she did.

But none could say which was more wonderful—

The swiftness of her feet or her beauty.

“‘When this woman questioned the oracleAbout her future husband

The god said: ‘Atalanta,

Stay clear of a husband.

Marriage is not for you. Nevertheless

“‘You are fated to marry.

And therefore fated, sooner or later, to live

Yourself but other.’ The poor girl,

Pondering this riddle, alarmed,

Alerted, alone in a thick wood,

“Stayed unmarried.

The suitors who kept at her stubbornlyShe met

With a fearful deterrent:‘You can win me,’ she told them,

Source: From Tales from Ovid by Ted Hughes. Copyright © 1997. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York.

ABOUT THE READING The tale of Atalanta is a story told within the myth of “Venus and Adonis,” written by the great Roman poet Ovid. Ovid’s collection of 250 myths titled Metamorphoses is considered to be his greatest work.

VOCABULARYoracle any person thought

of as having great wisdom

suitors people who court others

deterrent something that discourages

foregone inevitable; already determined

Rome and Christianity Literature

When reading, pay attention to the punctuation for the correct phrasing. Don’t pause until you reach a period or comma.

This myth contains a riddle. What do you think it means?

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Name Class Date

“‘Only if you can outrun me.

That is to say, if you will race against me.

Whoever wins that race—he is my husband.

Whoever loses it—has lost his life.

This is the rule for all who dare court me.’

“Truly she had no pity.

But the very ferocity

Of this grim condition of hers

Only lent her beauty headier power—

Only made her suitors giddier.

“Hippomenes watched the race.

‘What fool,’ he laughed, ‘would wager life itself

Simply to win a woman—

With a foregone conclusion against him?This is a scheme to rid the world of idiots.’

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“But her father, and the crowd, demanded the race.

And Hippomenes was already praying: ‘O Venus,

You gave me this great love—now let me keep it.’

ANALYZING LITERATURE

1. Main Idea Why does Atalanta run against her suitors?

2. Critical Thinking: Making Predictions Do you think Hippomenes will win the race against Atalanta? Why or why not?

3. Activity Imagine that you are a sports writer covering the race between

Hippomenes and Atalanta. Write an article about who you favor to win the big

race. Remember to support your opinion with facts from the myth.

Tales from Ovid, continued Literature

Hippomenes was overcome by Atalanta’s beauty and had fallen in love with her.

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