HIST 207 The Early Church

A survey of the historical developments of Christianity within the Roman Empire. Themes include the diversity and developments of ancient populations, political ideals, social life, material conditions, and religious practices over time and space. We will explore topics such as Jewish backgrounds and Christian origins, the growth of the church, Roman persecution and assimilation, the conversion of the emperor Constantine, religious pluralism and violence, and the nature of Christianization between the first and seventh centuries.