New
New
Year 5

Roman Christianity in Britain

I can explain how historians know that Christianity grew in popularity in Britain in the early 4th century.

New
New
Year 5

Roman Christianity in Britain

I can explain how historians know that Christianity grew in popularity in Britain in the early 4th century.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Historians are not sure exactly when Christianity was introduced to Britain.
  2. In the 4th century CE, after the conversion of Constantine, it became increasingly popular among the elite.
  3. Historians know about this rise in popularity from various physical objects that have been found.
  4. At Hinton St Mary an early 4th century mosaic appears to show a portrait of Jesus.
  5. At Lullingstone, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a chapel within a Roman villa with Christian wall paintings.

Common misconception

Evidence of Christianity from the 4th century is definitive proof of when it was introduced to Britain.

The evidence of Christianity found in Britain dates back to the 4th century and this gives historians reason to believe this is around the time Christianity was introduced and became popular in Britain.

Keywords

  • Elite - a group of people that are regarded as superior in terms of ability or quality are described as elite.

  • Converted - when someone has converted, they have changed their religious faith or other belief

  • 'Chi Rho' - 'Chi Rho' is the beginning of Christ’s name in Greek

  • Chapel - a chapel is a small building or room used for Christian worship

Create mosaics with pupils that show Christian symbolism.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
When did Christianity begin?
around 1,000 years ago
Correct answer: around 2,000 years ago
around 3,000 years ago
Q2.
Where did Christianity begin?
Correct Answer: Judea, judea
Q3.
How were the early Christians treated?
fairly
kindly
Correct answer: unfairly
Q4.
When did Constantine convert to Christianity?
Correct Answer: 313 CE, 313 ce
Q5.
Order these events chronologically
1 - Constantine converted to Christianity.
2 - Constantine became the sole emperor of the Roman Empire.
3 - Constantine passed the Edict of Milan to stop the persecution of Christians.
4 - Constantine brought Christian bishops together to agree the first set of rules.
Q6.
Missionaries travelled from the Roman Empire all over to spread Christianity.
Correct Answer: Europe, europe

6 Questions

Q1.
When Constantine converted, Christianity became popular among the...
Correct Answer: elite
Q2.
Evidence found in Britain suggests Christianity was introduced in the...
100s CE
200s CE
Correct answer: 300s CE
Q3.
What was discovered at Hinton St Mary? A Roman...
Correct Answer: mosaic , central roundel
Q4.
What does 'Chi Rho' mean?
the beginning of Christ’s name in Spanish
the beginning of Christ’s name in Italian
Correct answer: the beginning of Christ’s name in Greek
Q5.
What was discovered at the Roman villa in Lullingstone?
Correct answer: Mosaics
Correct answer: A chapel
Correct answer: Wall paintings
Q6.
The Roman mosaic and the wall paintings are evidence of Christianity's...
Correct Answer: popularity

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