PART 1 –The Birth of Two Empires – Constantine The Great - GameChanger series

Summary

The video explores the life of Constantine the Great, a pivotal figure in Roman history who transformed the empire and merged it with a new religion. Born in Nis, Serbia, under humble circumstances, he rose to power and left an indelible mark on history. The narrative also juxtaposes his story with that of Jesus, whose teachings clashed with Roman authority, setting the stage for a profound 'clash of empires.' The video delves into the cultural and religious impact of these two figures, questioning which empire—Rome or Christianity—would ultimately triumph.

Takeaways

• 🏛 Constantine the Great was a Roman Emperor who significantly influenced the world by merging his rule with the establishment of a new religion.
• 👶 Born in Nis, Serbia, under a cloud of illegitimacy, Constantine grew up to completely transform the Roman Empire.
• 🛣️ Nis, known as Naissus in Roman times, was a strategic crossroads between the East and West, which played a crucial role in Constantine's early life.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Constantine was born to a humble village girl, Helena, and the Roman military tribune Flavius Constantius, who later became an important figure in his life.
• 📜 The script explores the lives of two significant figures, Constantine and Jesus, who both had humble beginnings and left lasting impacts on history.
• 🏰 Constantine's rise to power led to Nis becoming a major cultural, economic, and military center, with a luxurious Roman palace at its heart.
• 🌍 The Roman Empire was characterized by its remarkable stability and tolerance, with a vast infrastructure that facilitated trade and communication.
• ⛪️ Christianity was seen as a threat to the Roman Empire due to its refusal to participate in emperor worship and its prediction of the empire's fall.
• 🔥 The Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD led to increased persecution of Christians, who were blamed by Emperor Nero for the disaster.
• 📖 The Bible's prophecies, such as in Daniel chapter 7, were interpreted by Romans as a direct challenge to their empire's authority.
• 📚 The program offers a booklet titled 'A Clash of Empires' for deeper insight into the historical conflict between Rome and Christianity.

Q & A

Who was Constantine the Great?

Constantine the Great was a Roman Emperor who ruled an empire that lasted for centuries and had a significant impact on the world by merging political power with a new religion.

What significant event is associated with the town of Nish?

The town of Nish is significant because it is the birthplace of Constantine the Great, who was born there under a cloud of illegitimacy to a humble village girl named Helena.

What was the ancient Roman name for the town of Nish?

The ancient Roman name for the town of Nish was Naissus.

How did Constantine's father, Flavius Constantius, react when he learned about his son's existence?

Flavius Constantius was delighted to learn about his son's existence and welcomed both Helena and Constantine into his home with open arms.

What was the social status of Helena, Constantine's mother?

Helena was a peasant woman and the daughter of an innkeeper in Naissus (Nish).

How did Constantine's life change when he was brought to live with his father?

Constantine's life changed dramatically when he moved from the small village of Naissus to live with his father, going from a peasant boy to being part of the highest circles of Roman society.

What was the term used by the Romans for legitimate religions?

The Romans used the term 'religio' for legitimate religions, which is the origin of the English word 'religion'.

How did the Romans view Christianity initially?

The Romans initially viewed Christianity with suspicion as it was a non-traditional and non-racial religion that did not belong to any specific country or race and was seen as filled with what they considered foolish ideas.

What was the term the Romans used for non-traditional and non-racial religions like Christianity?

The Romans used the term 'superstitio' for non-traditional and non-racial religions like Christianity, which is the origin of the English word 'superstition'.

Why were Christians considered a threat to the Roman Empire?

Christians were considered a threat to the Roman Empire because they refused to worship the emperor, which was seen as a rejection of the authority of the empire, and their beliefs and principles clashed with those of Rome.

What was the significance of the bridge Ponte Fabricio in Rome?

The bridge Ponte Fabricio in Rome is significant because it is an example of Roman engineering and has been in continuous use since it was built, symbolizing the stability and permanence of the Roman Empire.