When Did Paganism End in Rome?

By Anna Duncan

When Did Paganism End in Rome?

In ancient Rome, pagan beliefs and practices were an integral part of daily life for centuries. However, with the rise of Christianity, the dominance of paganism began to wane.

The transition from paganism to Christianity was a gradual process that unfolded over several centuries. In this article, we will explore the timeline of events that led to the eventual decline and end of paganism in Rome.

The Rise of Christianity

By the 4th century AD, Christianity had gained significant popularity in the Roman Empire. Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in 312 AD marked a turning point in the history of religion in Rome. With Constantine’s support, Christianity became more widely accepted and began to replace paganism as the dominant religion.

Theodosian Decrees

In 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius I issued the Edict of Thessalonica, which declared Catholic Christianity as the official state religion and made all other forms of worship illegal. This edict effectively marked the beginning of the end for paganism in Rome.

Under Theodosius’ rule, temples dedicated to pagan gods were closed down and their property confiscated. Pagan rituals and practices were banned, and conversion to Christianity was encouraged through various means.

Justinian’s Reign

During Emperor Justinian I’s reign (527-565 AD), further measures were taken to suppress paganism. The Academy in Athens, which served as a center for pagan philosophy and learning, was shut down by Justinian’s order in 529 AD.

  • Closure of Temples: Many pagan temples throughout Rome were either destroyed or converted into Christian churches during this period.
  • Persecution of Pagans: Pagan priests and philosophers faced persecution and were often forced to convert to Christianity or face severe consequences.

The End of Paganism

Though paganism had been in decline for several centuries, it was not until the 7th century AD that it finally lost its last vestiges of influence. The rise of Islam in the Middle East and North Africa led to the conquest of territories formerly under Roman rule.

This conquest resulted in the destruction or abandonment of many remaining pagan temples, effectively eradicating paganism as an organized religion in Rome.

In Conclusion

The end of paganism in Rome can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the rise of Christianity as the state religion, the enforcement of laws against pagan practices, and external influences such as the Islamic conquests. The process was gradual but ultimately led to the complete disappearance of paganism as a dominant religious force in Rome.

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