Amy – Page 3 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on July 21, 2015September 3, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Rome, The Fall of Western

According to historians, the fall of Western Rome was linked to numerous causes including the frequent attacks from invaders. Inefficiency of the political administration and several other factors that eventually resulted in the decline in power of the Roman Empire. This event can be found on the Bible Timeline with World History around 500 AD. While there were some attempts to prevent the empire’s decline, the lack of power caused the division of its territory.

Causes of the Roman Empire’s Decline

One of the primary causes of the Roman Empire’s decline was the inability to enforce its rule. Whether it is via civil administration or by using armed forces. For instance, when Odoacer took charge after the removal of Emperor Romulus, there was an evident lack of efficient military and political power throughout the empire and its territory. Invaders were able to hold power over several parts of Western Rome. Their influence lasted for centuries, and it contributed to the empire’s difficulty in rising from their fall.

West_Rome — Rome was established in 753 BC by Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years before its decline.

Rome was established in 753 BC by Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years before its decline.

In 410 AD, Alaric led the Visigoths toward invading the empire’s capital. Which was a successful attempt on the part. They forcefully found their way in Rome, and once they were in the city, it was easy for them to loot, destroy, burn and sack the entire area. This grim event in the history of the Roman Empire went on for three days, and it was the very first time in about a thousand years that the city fell int the hands of invaders. While this was the initial successful attempt to seize the capital of the Roman Empire, there were more invasions that occurred which contributed to its decline.

Another factor that has led to the decline in Western Rome’s power was the spread of Christianity. This was the opposite of the polytheistic or the Romans’ traditional religion. In fact, the rise of Christianity resulted in the persecution of people who have converted to this new religion. Specifically the poor citizens of Rome. However, Constantine the Great, a Roman emperor, put an end to the sufferings of Christians by imposing tolerance for this religion. It did not take long before Christianity spread to different parts of the empire.

Traditionally, Romans looked up to their Emperor as their god. This was different from Christianity. Since in this religion, there is one God whom they should worship. This caused the people to believe that “God” is not the emperor, which caused the empire’s supreme ruler to lose credibility and authority over time.

Aside from the introduction of a new religion, Constantine decided to split the Roman Empire into two areas. It was in 330 AD when the empire was divided into west and east. And while the western part had Rome as its capital, the eastern section’s seat of power was in Constantinople – named after Emperor Constantine. There were major differences in these two empires such as the religion practiced and the language spoken. However, during the western empire’s decline, the East continued to thrive and remain in existence for centuries even during the establishment of the Byzantine Empire. On the other hand, Western Rome experienced a significant reduction in its production of agricultural products, massive trade deficit, inflation, and attacks from invaders such as the Vandals, Ostrogoths, Franks, Visigoths and Saxons. This put an end to the empire’s power.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_the_Western_Roman_Empire
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/western-roman-empire-falls
http://www.ushistory.org/civ/6f.asp

Posted on July 13, 2015November 2, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Saint Patrick in Ireland, The Life of

Saint Patrick was a renowned Christian missionary being one of Ireland’s greatest bishops and can be found on the Biblical Timeline with World History around 450 AD. He was noted as the country’s main patron saint, aside from Saints Columba and Brigit. In the 5th century, Patrick served as a missionary, and he was also Armagh’s first bishop. Based on historians, Patrick was originally from Great Britain but Irish pirates captured him from his home and took him as a slave when they reached Ireland. After six years, the young teenager managed to escape from slavery and returned to his family. Soon, he became a cleric and traveled to western and northern Ireland. He lived his life serving numerous people during his missionary works. During the 7th century, he was proclaimed as Ireland’s patron saint.

Early Life

A native of Roman Britain, Patrick was born of a pious family. His father was a former deacon while his grandfather was a priest. As a child, Patrick was not as religious as his father and grandfather. However, the twists and turns in his life, when he was only 16 caused a dramatic change in his religious beliefs. After the pirates captured Patrick and took him as a slave, he believed it was through the Lord’s mercy that he gained freedom again. As a slave, Patrick managed to strengthen his faith in God as he continued to pray and eventually converted to Christianity.

He claimed that after his 6th year of captivity, a voice told him there was a ship ready to take him back home. So, Patrick left and traveled 200 miles to reach the port where a ship was waiting. Although he experienced some difficulties convincing the captain to allow him inside the ship, his prayers were answered when he finally stepped foot in the vessel that was headed to Britain.

However, this was not the end of Patrick’s struggles. Along with all passengers of the ship, he walked for 28 days in the wilderness just to reach his home. During his journey, he encouraged his companions to believe in God and continue their faith of reaching their destination safely. He eventually found his way back to his family. Patrick was in his early 20s by then. His ardent faith in God motivated him to study Christianity and learn more about this religion.

st_patrick — “Writings attribute St. Patrick for explaining to the Irish about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity by using the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to demonstrate the Christian belief of three persons in one God.”

After his studies in Europe, he went to Marmoutier Abbey, which was in Tours. It was not too long after his visit to the Abbey that he was ordained by Saint Germanus of Auxerre. However, Patrick had a vision that led him back to Ireland to work as a missionary. Upon arrival to this country where he was once a slave, the locals forced him to leave. He then decided to go up north of Ireland where he found a place to rest on the islands situated at the Skerries coast.

Writings attribute St. Patrick for explaining to the Irish about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity by using the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to demonstrate the Christian belief of three persons in one God. This event was first recorded in 1726. However, it may be much older. Since then, the shamrock has since become a primary representative for St Patrick’s Day.

As a missionary, he baptized numerous individuals and ordained priests. His actions then started more Christian communities. Being a foreigner in the land, Patrick had no legal protection, and he experienced physical torture from his adversaries. He was also said to have been held captive for about 60 days until his death. His determination to spread messages of love and faith in God became his greatest legacy. This made him one of Ireland’s most celebrated saints throughout history.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89
http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/history-of-St-Patrick.html
Picture By Sicarr – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6073666

Posted on July 9, 2015September 9, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Theodosius the Great 379 AD

Theodosius served Rome as its emperor from the years 379 to 395 AD where he is listed on the Bible Timeline Poster with World History. He was the last ruler that governed the empire’s western and eastern halves. Theodosius the Great was focused on the control of invaders that threatened the empire, specifically the Goths. However, he failed to expel them. This led to their success in establishing a base in the southern part of Danube after the historic Gothic War. Nevertheless, Theodosius did the best he could on his campaigns during the two civil wars. In fact, he defeated Eugenius and Magnus Maximus, who were usurpers and threatened the Roman Empire.

Early Life and Career

Born in the land of Hispania, Theodosius was the son of a renowned military officer. It was because of his father’s experience in the military that he gained techniques in this field. This allowed him to participate in his father’s campaigns in 368. By 373, he was appointed as Upper Moesia’s governor. His initial successes included overseeing the hostilities that existed against the Alemanni and the Samaritans. Theodosius was Moesia’s military commander, but he decided to go back to Hispania after his father was executed. One of the possible reasons why this happened was the supposed dismissal of Theodosius from his command which was ordered by Emperor Valentinian I. This was due to the defeat of Theodosius’ army in 374 when they fought against the Samaritans.

Rise in Politics

During the years 364 to 375, Valentinian I and Valens ruled the Roman Empire. However, Gratian and Valentinian II replaced their father after his death. In the major battle that occurred in Adrianople, Valens died. Theodosius was then asked to head the Illyrian army, under the request of Gratian. Since there was no one to take Valens’ place after his death, Theodosius was appointed as the co-Augustus of eastern Rome.

“There was a significant problem among the Romans from recruiting barbarians.”

However, Gratian died in the rebellion during 383. This gave Theodosius the chance to appoint Arcadius, who was his elder son, to become the East’s co-ruler. Also, Honorius, the younger son of Theodosius, was proclaimed the West’s co-ruler. This occurred after the death of Valentinian.

Theodosius was focused on defeating the Gothic invasion, as well as their allies that were then situated in eastern Pannonia Inferior and Dacia. However, the crisis caused Gratian to leave for Trier. This allowed Theodosius to put his plans into action with greater effectiveness. There was a significant problem among the Romans from recruiting barbarians to go into battle against their fellow barbarians. He decided to look for healthy and able-bodied soldiers, yet there was a risk involved since the fighters were not loyal to him.

This great Roman ruler handled issuing a decree that the Roman Empire’s official state church was Nicene Christianity. He also did his part in preserving some important structures known throughout history including the Temple of Apollo, Serapeum in Alexandria and other famous Hellenistic temples constructed centuries ago. The Roman Empire soon reached its decline in power after his death when the west and east halves failed to reunite due to political reasons and menacing invaders.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosius_I
http://www.roman-empire.net/collapse/theodosius-I.html
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/theodosius/a/070111-Theodosius-I-A-D-379-395.htm/div>

Posted on July 6, 2015September 29, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Tea First Mentioned in 222 AD

Based on research, historical accounts on tea were first mentioned in 222 AD where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History. This gives us insights into how this famous beverage was first discovered and used in ancient times. There were stories in Chinese mythology relating to the discovery of tea as early as 2737 BC by the Emperor Shen Nong, who reigned during the San Huang Period. This man was a well-known scholar, and he invented the herbal medicine of the Chinese. According to myths, Shen Nong ordered his servants to boil water, which he established as a practice to ensure the purity of drinking water. While the water was still boiling, some dried leaves fell into it, which resulted to the brownish shade of the water as the leaves were infused into it. After the emperor had drunk this rather strange-colored liquid, he found it to be rather refreshing. The tree where the leaves came from was a wild tea tree. Hence, the origin of tea in China.

Tea as Mentioned in Chinese Texts

In 222 AD, tea was first mentioned in various Chinese writing. It was noted as an alternative to wine, and numerous Chinese began the practice of drinking tea. During the third century tea became more popular for its health benefits, although it was the nobilities of Tang Dynasty that considered tea as a “fashionable” drink. It was also during this time that there was an increasing demand for tea, which also boosted the cultivation of tea instead of harvesting the leaves from various wild trees in the country.

tea first introduced in China — “Throughout the years, people still enjoy drinking tea, and the popularity of this beverage spread from China to various parts of the world.”

“Throughout the years, people still enjoy drinking tea, and the popularity of this beverage spread from China to various parts of the world.”

The Popularity of Tea in China

During the Sung Dynasty beginning 960 AD, the powdered form of tea became popular among the people. Tea drinkers also made use of ceramic accessories such as cups and pots with black, brown and dark blue glazes. These designs were sharp contrasts to the well-loved green color of tea that they drank.

By 1101, Emperor Hui Tsung came up with a text that described some techniques on how to prepare whisked green tea. He was one of the notable patrons of tea. He also had some tournaments that involved court members who were required to identify the different tea types. It was during his reign that teahouses were built in various natural settings.

1206 marked the start of the Yuan Dynasty, and numerous territories in China were conquered by Kublai Khan and Genghis Khan. It was not too long after the invasion of China that a Mongolian dynasty was established. At this point in history, tea was no longer just for the nobilities, but it was also enjoyed by the average person as it became an ordinary beverage.

In the Ming Dynasty, people developed a new way of preparing tea, which was by steeping whole tea leaves in boiling water. This technique has led to the pale color of tea, and white ceramic cups and pots became more preferred by tea drinkers.

Throughout the years, people still enjoy drinking tea, and the popularity of this beverage spread from China to various parts of the world.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_tea
http://www.tea.co.uk/tea-a-brief-history
http://www.china.org.cn/learning_chinese/Chinese_tea/2011-07/15/content_22999489.htm

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Memory Aid for Bible Study

The Bible Timeline is a great source as a memory aid in two specific ways:

Reminder to Study – Sometimes it can be hard to remember to open your Bible. Placing the Bible Timeline in an obvious place inside your house is an excellent way to remind you to study. Setting the image of the Timeline in your mind as a trigger to study will have you thinking of the Bible each time you walk by.
Memorizing/Learning – The Bible Timeline is also very useful when it comes to understanding the dates and time periods of when things occurred. Instead of having to search for the information or questions you might have concerning the Bible, you can refer to the timeline for help.

Over a thousand events from Adam to today – on the color-coded Amazing Bible Timeline with World History – details here

Posted on June 30, 2015August 19, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

China, 16 Kingdoms of

Mentioned in some texts as the Sixteen States, the 16 Kingdoms of China began in 304 AD and lasted in 439 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline with World History. This was a period in history that involved the establishment of several sovereign states in northern China; although they were short-lived. The people who set up these states were ethnic minorities and they took part in the overthrowing of the Jin Dynasty in the West in about 400 AD.

Historical Background

In 265, northern China was inhabited by non-Han Chinese. This started during the late Han to the earlier parts of the Jin dynasty. Xianbei and Xiongnu were only a few of the migrants who settled in the northern areas of China. They were originally pastoralist nomads that had once been situated in the northern steppes. Other migrants who remained in northern China included the Qiang and Di. They were herders and farmers who once lived in the western regions. Since they were migrants, they suffered from discrimination among the locals. Yet, some of them assumed official positions in China’s military and the court system. A huge number of these migrants, however, became farm laborers and lived with Han Chinese.

China,_16_Kingdoms_of — “They were herders and farmers who once lived in the western regions. Since they were migrants, they suffered from discrimination among the locals. Yet, some of them assumed official positions in China’s military and the court system. A huge number of these migrants, however, became farm laborers and lived with Han Chinese.”

“They were herders and farmers who once lived in the western regions. Since they were migrants, they suffered from discrimination among the locals. Yet, some of them assumed official positions in China’s military and the court system. A huge number of these migrants, however, became farm laborers and lived with Han Chinese.”

During Emperor Hui’s reign, the imperial authority of China underwent problems. It was the period of the War of the Eight Princes, and this resulted to the division of northern China. Several people died while others were forced to flee their homes. There were also numerous rebellions that occurred due to heavy taxation. As for Sichuan, a new kingdom was formed under the leadership of Li Xiong. This Di chieftain established the Cheng Han Kingdom after a victorious rebellion in 304. It was also the start of the formation of several other independent kingdoms or states in the northern part of China. This signaled the decline in the power and supremacy of the Jin authority.

Insights on the 16 Kingdoms

Cui Hong, a Chinese historian during the 6th century, first used the term 16 kingdoms in his texts. The kingdoms included the 5 Liangs, 4 Yans, 3 Qins, 2 Zhaos, Xia and Cheng Han. However, he no longer counted other kingdoms in this list, although there were several others that were formed such as the Western Yan, Zhai Wei, and Ran Wei. Northern Wei and Dai were not included, as well, and one reason for such was the fact that the Northern Wei soon became northern China’s ruling dynasty.

Other historians considered this period in China’s history as the 16 Kingdoms of the 5 Barbarians as ethnic minorities formed these kingdoms including the Dingling, Di, Qiang, Jie, Xianbei, and Xiongnu. These groups only took dynastic names as they founded the kingdoms. Some states that were established by Han Chinese had relations with these ethnic minorities.

These kingdoms did not last long because of political instability and intense competition among the different states. Historians regarded the 16 Kingdoms as one of China’s most difficult periods, and the fall of Western Jin Dynasty also had some resemblance with the decline in Western Rome‘s power because both of these were caused by barbaric tribe invasions.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixteen_Kingdoms
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/three_kingdoms/shu-kingdom/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Kingdoms

Posted on June 29, 2015October 20, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Tuniit/Dorset Culture

The Tuniit/Dorset Culture is referred to as the culture of the Paleo-Eskimo. They lasted from 500 BC (where they are listed on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History) to 1500 BC. The culture got its name from Cape Dorset, which was located in Nunavut, Canada. It was in this place where there was initial evidence of the culture’s existence and origin. According to historians, there were four phases in this culture and the different stages were due to the variations in the technologies introduced by the people. There were also artifacts discovered to prove the existence of the Dorset culture such as soapstone lamps, burns, and triangular end-blades.

Details about the Culture

Studies made in 1925 established the fact that the Dorset were noted as an independent culture. Based on archeological research, the Dorset were extinct by the year 1500 BC because they were unable to adapt well to the Medieval Warm Period. The Dorset were displaced by the Thule, who were originally from Alaska. In Inuit legends, the Tuniit were driven away from their homes. They were believed to be very tall and strong individuals, yet they were beaten away easily.

Tuniit_Dorset_Culture — “With the decline in the amount of sea-ice during the Medieval Warm Period the Dorset’s way of life rapidly changed. They could not cope with the changes and decided to live in the High Arctic.”

“With the decline in the amount of sea-ice during the Medieval Warm Period the Dorset’s way of life rapidly changed. They could not cope with the changes and decided to live in the High Arctic.”

The four periods in the Dorset culture include the Early, Middle, Late and the Terminal. During the time that the Thule reached the Canadian Arctic, the terminal phase of the culture already began. The Thule once lived in Alaska and headed towards the east to Canada. The Terminal phase is also believed to be linked to the start of the Medieval Warm Period in 800 AD as the Arctic soon became warmer. Due to the harsh change in climate, the sea ice separated from the High Arctic.

Life of the Dorset

The Dorset lived in a bitterly cold environment, and they hunted sea mammals for food. With the decline of sea-ice during the Medieval Warm Period, the Dorset’s way of life rapidly changed. They could not cope with the changes and decided to live in the High Arctic instead. They adapted to their new environment and developed tools that helped them get by with their daily routines and activities.

An impressive fact about the Dorset was their immense understanding of the environment. Since they were not like the Thule Inuit, who obtained their food through whaling. The Dorset only hunted sea mammals from holes formed through the ice. They also did not use sophisticated bow and arrow, and this prevented them from hunting larger animals that lived on land. They only used harpoons that allowed them to hunt for seals. However, there were instances when they killed narwhals and walrus for food.

To keep themselves warm, they wore thick clothing. These people also made use of soapstone in making lamps that were filled with sufficient amount of seal oil to generate heat in their homes. As for engraving or carving purposes, they used burins that come with sharp edges that resembled a chisel. Their skills include creating masks and miniature carvings. They were also known for their shamanistic tradition.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorset_culture
http://anthropology.uwaterloo.ca/ArcticArchStuff/dorset.html
http://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/archeo/paleoesq/ped01eng.shtml

Posted on June 24, 2015September 8, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Hopewell Culture 500 AD

Also known as the Hopewell tradition and is listed on the Bible Timeline Poster around 500 AD but began as early as 200 BC. This depicts different features of the culture of Native Americans in the United States, specifically in the midwestern and northeastern parts. This tradition was practiced in several societies instead of being focused only in one area. Those that adopted this culture were connected by trade routes referred to as the Exchange System. These routes extend from the southeastern parts of the United States. They would go as far as the Crystal River Indian Mounds and right into the north on the Canadian shores.

Insights on the Hopewell Culture

Trading is performed in the Hopewell Exchange System. Several items were traded including exotic materials that these were used by the people involved in the manufacturing and trading industry. After receiving these materials, the items were turned into products to be exported. In fact, these goods were brought to various parts of the United States.

The Hopewell culture depicts different features of the culture of Native Americans in the United States, specifically in the midwestern and northeastern parts.

The culture began in the western parts of New York which eventually spread into Ohio. However, there were claims that the Hopewell culture began in western Illinois. Initially, it was Warren Moorehead who first used the term Hopewell after he conducted explorations in Ross County, in Ohio. He studied the mound group in this area, and the group got its name from the family that once owned earthworks there.

According to historians, the Hopewell population displayed a high sense of social stability. They also specialized in using their resources to meet the needs of the growing population. The people also performed certain practices such as the cremation of deceased individuals. Graves that had more amounts of status goods and elaborate designs were regarded as having a higher ranking, which is particular among the hunters.

As for the rulers of the Hopewellian people, these were not the typical powerful and commanding authorities who only lead soldiers and slaves. Instead, these are individuals who possessed a high level of leadership skills and mastered the art of persuasion, particularly around religion and trade.

Legacy

The intricate, yet interesting artwork of the Hopewell population was one of their greatest legacies. In fact, these are considered as some of the finest artwork discovered in America. Their craftwork also possessed some significance in terms of religion, and it was typical for the graves of deceased Hopewellian to be embellished with necklaces, fine ceremonial pottery, pendants and fascinating carvings from wood or bone. There were also woven mats and stones that lined the graves.

The people were creative and resourceful. They transformed regular materials such as seashells, copper, Grizzly bear teeth, and shark’s teeth into lovely crafts. The artisans were also excellent carvers, and their mortuary mounds usually include carved pipes and statues.

The Hopewell population was considered an expert in artwork and trading. They possessed brilliant qualities and skills that enabled them to flourish as a strong society for many years.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopewell_tradition
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Hopewell_Culture?rec=1283
http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-133282/Early-North-American-farmers-east-of-the-Mississippi-River-are

Posted on June 23, 2015August 4, 2016 by Amy — 5 Comments

How Many Times was Paul Really Shipwrecked?

The apostle Paul went through many hardships in his life as he labored to bring more souls to Christ. Through all this he recorded many events and challenges. Including several ship wrecks. There were three accounted for within his writings (2 Corinthians 11:25). However, there was a fourth one mentioned towards the very end of Paul’s life in Acts 27.

PaulsShipwreck — “Saint Paul by Bartolomeo Montagna”

The incident occurred on his way towards Rome as a prisoner. Paul had advised against such a voyage it being a bad time of year to travel. Deliberately ignoring his warning, they set sail anyways. As they went, a storm came and damaged the boat (Acts 27:15-16). After many days and several failed attempts to reach safety or get rescued the men began to lose hope. Paul then stood and said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. – And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.”

Indeed the ship did wreck on an island and the men reached shore alive and unharmed. The captors were then advised to slay the prisoners lest they try to escape and swim away. However they were spared because of Paul’s advice and council in saving them all.

References:
https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/q1_bible_who_wrote/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_the_Apostle

Posted on June 23, 2015September 19, 2015 by Amy — Leave a comment

Paganism in Rome, End of

The end of paganism in Rome began during the latter years of Constantine the Great‘s rule. It is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History around 508 AD. When Constantine had just begun his reign, he allowed pagan practices although they were not allowed to construct temples. Pagans continued to experience less freedom in performing their religious practices as years went by. They eventually witnessed the destruction of their temples, as ordered by the emperor.

Laws Against Paganism

During the reign of Constantius II, various edicts and laws were enacted to punish those who were involved in pagan practices. In fact, it started the suffering of pagans as they were executed by Christian authorities in Rome. By 350 AD, more and more laws were established including the persecution of individuals who worshiped “idols” and attended pagan activities. Pagan temples were also pillaged, and the Altar of Victory that was once at the Senate was removed. Some Christians were also involved in the destruction, vandalism and desecrating of pagan monuments, tombs and temples.

Meanwhile, paganism remained popular in Rome, despite the severity of the laws that were focused on individuals practicing their pagan traditions. There were also governors who remained passive about the imperial rules that targeted the pagans. Nevertheless these laws (which started during the reign of Constantius) slowly succeeded in ending paganism in the Roman Empire.

Pagan Persecutions

In 381, Theodosius ordered the widespread persecution of pagans in Rome. He put an end on pagan rituals and traditions, destroyed a vast number of temples and considered magistrates as criminals each time they failed to put anti-pagan laws into practice in their areas. Later during the rule of Theodosius there were more laws that banned paganism. For instance, Pagan holidays were no longer observed, temple visits were not allowed, and witchcraft was banned, to name a few. Soon, Pagan priests were killed, and there was a desecration of holy sites and symbols.

End_of_Paganism_in_Rome — “Pagans continued to experience less freedom in performing their religious practices as years went by. They eventually witnessed the destruction of their temples, as ordered by the emperor. “

“Pagans continued to experience less freedom in performing their religious practices as years went by. They eventually witnessed the destruction of their temples, as ordered by the emperor. “

Death sentence and confiscation of property were the consequences faced by people who continued to practice paganism. These harsh edicts were also viewed as a means of declaring war against traditional religious practices, and Christianity was seen as the primary religion in the empire.

Despite all of these sufferings, they remained true to their faiths. Some pagans defied the authority and the edicts that were passed, although this would mean risking their lives and their loved ones’. Yet, the anti-paganism laws became unbearable to the people, and many pagans were killed and tortured.

Back in 300 AD, only a small percentage of people in Rome were made up of Christians. In fact, Christianity was considered as the empire’s minority religion where only 10 percent of the citizens practiced this religion. However, several decades later, it became Rome’s official religion, and most of the people converted from other faiths and adopted Christian practices. This became more evident during the persecution of pagans, which ended this traditional religion in the Roman Empire.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_of_Greco-Roman_polytheism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_pagans_in_the_late_Roman_Empire
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/greece/paganism/paganism.html