Unit 2: The Origins of Christianity

Our examination then moves to the Roman Empire with an emphasis on its social and political transition from Republic to Empire. We conclude the unit with an analysis of how the Roman Empire embraced and was ultimately transformed by Christianity.

Art History: Using art as propaganda to demonstrate power (Augustus at Prima Porta, Nero’s Golden House, Forum of Trajan, Arch of Constantine)

Literature: The Aeneid, “Dinner with Trimalchio” from The Satyricon

Philosophy: An examination of the fall of the Roman Republic through Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Epicureanism, Stoicism, cultural transition from Polytheism to Monotheism, specifically in Judaism

Social Institutions: Ancient Rome: the passage from Republic to Empire; the historical Jesus; Paul and the spread of Christianity; the beginning of persecutions under Nero