The Roman Empire's views on Christianity evolved significantly throughout its history. Initially, Christians were seen as a sect within Judaism and were largely ignored until the refusal of Christians to worship Roman gods or participate in state-sponsored religion led to their persecution, notably during the reign of Nero in the 1st century AD. This perception of Christians as subversive and undesirable led to widespread persecution, characterized by martyrdom and brutal punishments. However, as Christianity spread and gained followers, it began to attract the attention of political leaders, particularly after the Edict of Milan in 313 AD issued by Constantine, which granted religious tolerance. Eventually, Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire in the late 4th century, fundamentally reshaping the empire's religious landscape and leading to its integration into the fabric of Roman governance and culture. The transition from persecution to acceptance was influenced by factors such as the growing number of converts, the strategic advantages of aligning with Christianity to unify the empire, and the desire for a stable religious identity amidst political fragmentation.
Question
What was the Roman empire's views on Christianity at various points in its history? What caused them to change over time?
(4 points)
answer in one paragraph
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