Judaism and Christianity

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Judaism and Christianity
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Questions

• How did Judaism develop during the era of
  imperial Rome?
• What were the main features of Greco-Roman
  polytheism?
• Why did the Romans persecute Christianity and why
  did Christianity ultimately become Romes state
  religion?

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Judaism

• Ethical Monotheism
• Torah
• The Maccabees and an independent Jewish state
• 165 B.C. Purification of the temple
• 143-63 Independence
• Pharisee and Sadducee
• 63 B.C. Roman Control
• Zealots
• Essenes
• A.D. 70 Sack of the Temple
• Talmudic (Rabbinical) Judaism
• Talmud

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Greco-Roman Religion

• Civic Polytheism
• Do ut des
• Mystery Cults
• Emperor Cult
• Sacrifice

Augustus Caesar (r. 31 B.C.- A.D. 14) in priestly
garb
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Opening Procession, Ara Pacis
Marcus Aurelius Praying before a Sacrifice
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Slaughtering the Victim
Pouring the Mola Salsa on a Victim
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Vestal Virgins enjoying a communal meal
Examining the Entrails
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Christianity

• Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 4. B.C. A.D. 30)
• Paul of Tarsus (d. ca. A.D. 65)
• Reasons for Persecution
• 235-284 Period of near anarchy
• Organization of Community
• Constantine (r. 306-337)
• Paganism

Jesus and Pilate
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