HISTORICAL THEMES The spread of Christianity The Christian religion began as an underground sect of messianic Judaism in the first century C.E. Its practitioners were first persecuted, then tolerated; finally Christianity was accepted as the official religion of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Western Empire, it emerged as the central unifying force in medieval Europe. The development of a European culture After the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century, the former Roman lands were ruled by various barbarian lords. These lands were eventually united by the Frankish kings, culminating in the crowning of Charlemagne (742-814) as Holy Roman Emperor. The influence of Islamic culture As the followers of the prophet Mohammed (570?-632) expanded their territory through the Middle East and the Mediterranean, they preserved and built on the knowledge of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Through conflict (the Crusades) and coexistence (the multicultural Iberian Peninsula), Europe gained much from its contacts with this rich culture.
		Top of Page home | artists | music | listen | tours | news | about editions | radio | newsletters | search | help | map privacy | outside USA | contact | stores © 2001 Sony Music Entertainment All Rights Reserved