The document discusses the historical context of the Roman Empire and the subsequent Middle Ages, focusing on the evolution of religious practices, particularly the rise of Christianity and its early persecution. It details key events such as Constantine's conversion to Christianity, the establishment of Constantinople, and the impact of the Crusades. Additionally, it highlights the preservation and expansion of knowledge by Muslim scholars during Europe's dark ages, culminating in figures like Thomas Aquinas who bridged faith and science.

1. In the Middle Ages Presentation by Mindy McAdams Week 6.2 / MMC 2265

2. “ Axemakers”? Huh? The “axemakers” are the scientists and engineers The toolmakers The inventors Those who apply knowledge Those who discover new knowledge From the 1995 book The Axemaker’s Gift, by James Burke and Robert Ornstein

3. Roman Empire, 27 B.C.E. – 476 C.E.

4. Religion and the Roman Empire Diverse religious practices and beliefs Differed from region to region The Roman state religion mandated worship of: Traditional Roman gods such as Jupiter, Mars and Apollo The Emperor (after he had died) Some members of the Imperial family

5. Religion and the Roman Empire The Romans’ religion co-existed with local cults, local superstitions and magic in the places they conquered Tolerance of other religions -- so long as they did not threaten: Public order Roman control and authority

6. Christianity and the Romans Roman Emperor Nero ordered the first mass persecution of Christians in 64 C.E. (They were tortured and killed.) One of the Christians’ biggest “offenses”: They refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity c. 312 C.E.

7. Constantine, 272 - 337 C.E. Converted to Christianity (312 C.E.) Immediately declared that both Christians and pagans should be allowed to worship freely Restored property that had been confiscated during persecutions Founded a new city and named it after himself: Constantinople

8. Constantinople founded c. 325 C.E. by Roman Emperor Constantine Constantinople founded c. 325 C.E. by Roman Emperor Constantine

9. After Constantine In 395 C.E., the Roman Empire was divided into two parts: Constantinople remained the center and capital of the Eastern Empire The Western Empire fell to “the onslaughts of the barbarians” “Barbarians” sacked Rome in 410; Roman Empire is finished in 476 The number of Christians increased gradually from years 312 to 500 C.E.

11. The Middle Ages of Europe “Dark Ages”: 300 to 1500 C.E. (or c. 395 – 1517) Same as medieval times Roman rule ended, and with it, order Lack of learning, lack of cultural growth and achievement “Dark” in the sense of an absence of light

12. The Power of the Church During the Middle Ages, in both Eastern and Western Europe, the clergy held great power Kings and princes were illiterate Monks and other clergy were trained to read and write (monasteries) A wide geographical network of messages and intrigue

13. The Crusades Crusades: Several wars waged by Christians from 1095 to 1291 Goal: To take back Jerusalem from the Muslims Ordered by the Pope in Rome Movie (2005): “Kingdom of Heaven,” starring Orlando Bloom

14. Meanwhile, among the Muslims The written knowledge and learning of the Greeks (Alexander’s empire) was preserved and expanded by Muslims during Europe’s Dark Ages Nestorians : Exiled Christians (heretics) living near Baghdad Caliph al-Mansur (712 – 775) of Baghdad ordered the translation of texts in the Nestorian library

15. Arab and Persian Knowledge The Abbasid Caliphate (750 – 1258) moved the capital of the Arab Empire from Damascus to Baghdad Scholarship flourished Many foreign texts were translated into Persian and Arabic – texts about astrology, mathematics, agriculture, medicine and philosophy Large libraries were built Exiled scholars from the Byzantine Empire were welcomed

16. Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 1274) A very learned Dominican monk Studied at the University of Naples, then the University of Paris (universities were brand-new) Studied and wrote commentaries about the writings of Aristotle Author: Summa Theologica

17. Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 1274) His writings showed that faith (religion) and science did not cancel each other out You could study the sciences, the natural world, and not be a heretic

18. In the Middle Ages Presentation by Mindy McAdams University of Florida