Rome

1. What factors led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the emergence of the Roman Imperial government structure?
2. Did the emergence and growth of Christianity contribute to the decay of "Roman virtue"? Consider the ways Christianity came into conflict with the Roman State Religion. Take a look at the letter from Pliny to Trajan at Peter Kirby’s collection of Early Christian Writings (http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/pliny.html). It may help you understand the issue of Roman persecution of the Christians.