Christianity first arrived in Britain in the early 4th century and was accepted by Roman emperors, spreading among Celtic areas and controlling large regions. When England was Christianized, the first archbishop was sent to establish Christian authority, teaching the faith to ordinary villagers. The religion was useful to the government and church for conveniently controlling the people's minds, with bishops creating a center of power at kings' courts. While one church focused on people's hearts, the other emphasized authority, and Christianity increased its influence rapidly except in a few remaining areas as it helped kings consolidate power by claiming God's approval for conquests.