From the Crucifixion to the coming of the Crusades, Christianity: The First Thousand Years traces the rise of one of the world's great religions. Scholars explore the intertwined fates of the Roman Empire and the faith it first persecuted, then later adopted. Theologians reveal how the New Testament was shaped, how pagan festivals were transformed into Christian holidays and how modern discoveries shed new light on the dawn of Christianity.

Christianity: The First Thousand Years would be useful for classes on World History, Religion, World Culture and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part III, The Glory of Byzantium

Five centuries after the death of Jesus, Rome fell to the Goths, plunging Europe into the Dark Ages. Yet on both sides of the continent, Christianity continued to grow, though it would soon face a new challenge-Islam.

• acrimonious
• augment
• basilica
• chaos
• cohesion
• devout
• divergent
• ecumenical
• edifice
• ethos
• iconoclast
• indigenous
• invincible
• literate
• liturgical
• mollify
• permeate
• poignant
• scriptorium
• veneration

1. In the year 410 AD, the Roman Empire collapsed. What caused the collapse of this mighty empire once thought invincible?

2. Although Ireland is geographically close to England, there were wide differences. What were some of the differences between these two nations?

3. Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is responsible for converting Ireland to a Christian nation. How did Saint Patrick accomplish this conversion?

4. Discuss how women were a large part of Celtic Christianity.

5. Irish monks were essential in the preservation of western culture. How did these monks preserve the great works of the western world?

6. Why is the period after the fall of Rome known as the Dark Ages?

7. Discuss the role of Christianity in Byzantine social, religious and political life.

8. Theodora was one of the world's most powerful females. What was her role in Byzantine Christianity?

9. Islam, the religion of Mohammed, emerged in the seventh century. How did the rise of Islam challenge Christianity?

10. Discuss the differences between Islam and Christianity.

1. Research the architecture of the Byzantine Empire and then design a building that might have been erected at the height of the empire.

2. On a map of the world, locate and mark the extent and the boundaries of the Byzantine Empire.

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Air Dates

• April 14, 2000
• April 04, 2001