LESSON 5.12 What is Rome’s heritage?
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to explain how the spread of Christianity and the survival of Roman power in the Eastern Empire helped to preserve Roman culture, despite its decline in western Europe.
Tune in Many visitors travel to Rome and Italy to see ancient Roman sites, like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. These are important parts of Rome’s history. Discuss what else you think could be part of Rome’s heritage.
SOURCE1 The Colosseum is a popular part of ancient Roman heritage.
1. What key features of the Colosseum are visible? 2. How was the Colosseum used? 3. What does it symbolise?
5.12.1 The Eastern Roman Empire and Christianity As the Western Roman Empire fell, it split into non-Roman kingdoms. Many still felt Roman. Europe entered the Dark Ages with wars and fewer cities. Odoacer took down Romulus Augustulus but didn’t want to be emperor. He accepted the Eastern Roman emperor. Later, Emperor Justinian tried to restore the Western Empire. The medieval Byzantine Empire lasted until 1453 CE, when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks. Roman Christianity When Christianity became the Roman state religion, it changed the Church more than the Empire. Roman emperors supported Christianity, helping to stop pagan beliefs and heresy . King Clovis of the Franks converted in the 490s, helping the Church keep Roman culture alive in medieval Europe.
TOPIC5 Ancient Rome 169
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