History Extra podcast How Christianity came to dominate the Roman world
21 snips
Aug 28, 2025 Alice Roberts, an anatomist and author known for her insights on the fall of the Roman Empire, joins to discuss the dramatic rise of Christianity. She challenges the notion of Rome’s collapse, suggesting a transformation instead. The conversation reveals how Christianity gained traction among the elite, from St. Paul to Emperor Constantine, reshaping Roman identity. Roberts also highlights the intricate relationships between social structures, ancient rituals, and the church’s growth, painting a vivid picture of religious evolution amidst empire.
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Cliffside Graves Spark Inquiry
- Alice Roberts describes excavating cliffside graves in west Wales and finding an early cross-marked stone lid.
- Those finds sparked her investigation into how Christianity reached Britain so early.
Christianity Spread Via Elites
- Early Christianity spread among urban elites and literate groups rather than only the poor.
- Figures like Paul targeted high-status patrons, linking the movement to elite networks.
Constantine's Conversion Is Complex
- Constantine's Christianity is more ambiguous than the popular story suggests.
- Eusebius framed Constantine as Christian, but coins and monuments show mixed religious imagery.
