How Christianity Divided the Roman Empire | Colosseum

An underground spiritual movement known as Christianity begins to spread through the empire. See more in this clip from Season 1, "The Martyr."

#Colosseum

Subscribe for more from Colosseum and other great The HISTORY Channel shows:

Check out exclusive HISTORY content:

The eight-part series vividly brings to life the rise and fall of the Roman Empire through the lens of one of the most exhilarating and brutal arenas in the history of humanity–the Colosseum. From the savage truth of a gladiator’s life as a slave-warrior to the fascinating ways Rome’s Emperors used the vast amphitheater to demonstrate total power, “Colosseum” offers viewers a unique and personal look inside history’s most iconic empire. Each episode pinpoints one of eight key and diverse characters–all based on real people from history. Spanning several hundred years, the series unfolds chronologically, from the arena’s astonishing opening day to its very last games. “Colosseum” utilizes dramatic live action sequences and special effects to infuse excitement into the personal narrative of each historic character. The premium series features commentary with leading experts, world-renowned scholars and more.

HISTORY® is the leading destination for award-winning original series and specials that connect viewers with history in an informative, immersive, and entertaining manner across all platforms. The network’s all-original programming slate features a roster of hit series, premium documentaries, and scripted event programming.

[irawilliams]

Rome's persecution of Christians had the opposite effect. Instead of discouraging them from holding on to their faith it inspired others to join in.

[alexanderngala]

I am challenged by the courage of the early church Christians. I want to be devoted to Christ like them.

[pregacaodoevangelho]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" Jesus I love you

[aimhigh]

Modern man cannot comprehend the level of faith that the ancient Christians had.

[localvtboy]

This takes "Strike me down and I shall become more powerful than you can ever imagine" to another level.

[charlessmith]

The men and women who died in the faith in the early days of Christianity are some of the best examples of how a believer should be I've ever seen. Plus the bit about how sometimes the lions would just lie down and not attack strengthens my faith even more in the Lord my God.

[byblispersephone.]

As the book of Isaiah says, No weapon against us will prosper! Hosanna to the Lord!!

[jackraj]

These people found out about a God who was willing to die for a wretched sinner like them. So, these people were not insane, it's the exact opposite, their minds were like how can they even think of denying a love like that. Amazing Grace💖

[yakovmatityahu]

As a Christian, i am thankful and proud of the Early Christian martyrs who died for my faith, and were a role model in the faith...God bless all christians ✝️ 🙏...

[cozzwozzle]

Saint Ignatius was the disciple of John the Apostle, and he was the bishop of Antioch. He is venerated and dearly loved in the Orthodox Church today. ☦️

[godsown]

So proud to be a Christian. Having Jesus in my life is the best thing ever!!

[austinwilson]

"Stand up for what you believe in and fight for it!" is exactly what this documentary said. I am thankful you shared a martyr and I know there was no description of how Christianity started, but I am thankful that this video will lead anyone with curiosity to know not just to "believe and stick with it, " but to believe in the truth and die for it. Jesus is alive and will come again soon.

[TheTornAsunder]

Don't fear the one that can destroy the body, rather fear the one that can cast your soul into eternity.

[killerangel]

Christians who have been martyred or severely persecuted have inspired others to be Christian’s too…this has happened in other countries and over many centuries. No other religion has had this kind of impact on people lives or gives people peace even in the face of trials…or death. I wonder how many Christian’s in the US would be willing to die like this…we haven’t faced this kind of persecution yet: but it’s gonna happen and when it does we will see whose foundation is firmly planted in the Lord and who loves this world and it’s fading pleasures

[Child]

Praise Jesus! Lord, be with the modern martyrs in India, in Pakistan, in Malaysia, in Nigeria, in Iran, in Egypt, and all over the earth as your Body suffers for you!

[VinhTran-thnp]

*"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain - Philippians 1:21"*
*"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him - James 1:12"*

May God bless you all brother and sister out there, Amen

[TheAncientLight]

St. Ignatius Bishop of Antioch, Syria. Great teacher and a true Martyr of Jesus Christ ☦️

[jB-uwfi]

One of the things that really helped Christianity gain acceptance in the empire was the willingness to stay behind and care for the sick when the plagues happened, such as the Antonine Plague of 165-180.
While Roman leaders and politicians fled to their estates, Christians stayed and cared for the sick no matter the risk to themselves.

[joelercoaster]

That’s exactly why I believe… why ON EARTH would anyone kill themselves over something that was fake? They wouldn’t.. no one would. The eye witnesses of Jesus are the most significant because they actually saw the truth and died for it. As did so many more that followed. They wouldn’t die for something that wasn’t real

[abishekabi]

SEEING OUR ANCHESTORS FOUGHT FOR OUR FAITH BRINGS ME TEARS