The Roman Empire and Christianity: From Persecution to Adoption – Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Explore one of the most transformative periods in history with this reading comprehension worksheet focused on the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire. This resource guides students through the shift from the persecution of early Christians to the adoption of Christianity as the official religion under Emperor Constantine. Students will learn how these changes shaped not only the Roman Empire but also the future of Western civilization.

What’s Included:

• Informative Reading Passage: Detailed text covering early Christian history, persecution under Roman emperors, Constantine’s conversion, and the Council of Nicaea.
• Primary Source Analysis: An excerpt from the Edict of Milan (313 CE) for students to examine and analyze.
• Comprehensive Questions: Includes multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions to assess students' understanding of key events and figures.
• Answer Key: Complete teacher answer key for easy grading.

Why Your Students Will Benefit:

• Deeper Learning: This worksheet encourages critical thinking about how religion, politics, and society intertwined during the Roman Empire's transformation.
• Perfect for Sub Plans: Whether used as a standalone lesson, homework, or emergency sub plan, this worksheet is ready to meet your classroom needs.
• Common Core-Aligned:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas of a primary or secondary source.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Courses this Resource is Ideal For:

• World History: Ancient Rome
• History of Christianity
• Religion and Society in the Roman Empire

This worksheet offers a structured approach to understanding the fascinating rise of Christianity in ancient Rome while building students' analytical skills. It's an excellent tool for engaging students in deep discussion and reflection on one of history’s most significant shifts.

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