Early Christianity
I can describe the story of the early days of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
Early Christianity
I can describe the story of the early days of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Christianity began in the 1st Century CE when followers of Jesus Christ began to spread their new religion.
- Early Christianity spread from Judea throughout the Roman Empire, reaching Roman Britain in the late 2nd century CE.
- At first Christians were persecuted in the Roman Empire as their faith worried the Romans.
- Christians were scapegoated and punished severely, often by being attacked and killed by wild animals in amphitheatres.
- Many Christians were killed for their faith, making them martyrs.
Common misconception
Christianity started with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christianity developed after the death of Jesus when his followers continued to spread his teachings.
Keywords
Religion - a religion is a belief in a god or gods and the practices the belief says to live by, such as praying and worshipping in a church, temple or mosque
Follower - a follower is a person who believes in the teachings of a leader
Judea - Judea is the mountainous region of ancient Palestine and once a kingdom of the Jewish people
Scapegoat - a scapegoat is someone who carries the blame for others' mistakes and wrongdoings
Martyr - a martyr is someone who would rather die or suffer than give up their religious or political beliefs
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
the period on a timeline before the year 1
the period on a timeline after the year 1
a place controlled by Rome that was outside of Italy
a large group of territories ruled over by an emperor
a land with borders that has one government
a place where many people live close together
Exit quiz
6 Questions
belief in a god or gods
a person who believes in the teachings of a leader
someone who is blamed for others' mistakes and wrongdoings
someone who would rather suffer than give up their beliefs