Blog Post #42 - Ancient Rome and Early Christianity -

pages 152-153

Main Ideas

Power and Authority- Rome began as a republic, a government in which elected officials represent the people. Eventually, absolute rulers called emperors seized power and expanded the empire.

Empire Building- At its height, the Roman Empire touched 3 continents--- Europe, Asia, and Africa. For several countries, Rome brought peace and prosperity to its empire before its eventual collapse.

Religious and Ethical Systems- Out of Judea rose a monotheistic, or single-god, religion known as Christianity. Based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, it soon spread throughout Rome and beyond.

Timeline

(R) 509 B.C. - Rome becomes a republic.
(W) 321 B.C. - Chandragupta Maurya founds Mauryan Empire in India.
(R) 264 B.C. - First Punic War begins.
(R) 218 B.C. - In the Second Punic War, Hannibal invades Italy.
(W) 202 B.C. - Han Dynasty takes power in China.
(R) 31 B.C. - Octavian defeats the forces of Antony and Cleopatra.
(W) A.D. 100 - Moche culture arises in South America.
(R) A.D. 284 - Diocletian becomes emperor of Rome.
(W) A.D. 200 - Aksum kingdom emerges in east Africa.
(R) A.D. 476 - Western Roman Empire falls.