The fall of Rome and the Rise of the Church

1. The fall of Rome and the Rise of the Church

2. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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”

9. 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

10. 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

14. 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