Roman Christianity in Britain
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how historians know that Christianity grew in popularity in Britain in the early 4th century.
Key learning points
- Historians are not sure exactly when Christianity was introduced to Britain.
- In the 4th century CE, after the conversion of Constantine, it became increasingly popular among the elite.
- Historians know about this rise in popularity from various physical objects that have been found.
- At Hinton St Mary an early 4th century mosaic appears to show a portrait of Jesus.
- At Lullingstone, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a chapel within a Roman villa with Christian wall paintings.
Keywords
Elite - a group of people that are regarded as superior in terms of ability or quality are described as elite.
Converted - when someone has converted, they have changed their religious faith or other belief
'Chi Rho' - 'Chi Rho' is the beginning of Christ’s name in Greek
Chapel - a chapel is a small building or room used for Christian worship
Common misconception
Evidence of Christianity from the 4th century is definitive proof of when it was introduced to Britain.
The evidence of Christianity found in Britain dates back to the 4th century and this gives historians reason to believe this is around the time Christianity was introduced and became popular in Britain.
Teacher tip
Create mosaics with pupils that show Christian symbolism.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When did Christianity begin?
Q2.Where did Christianity begin?
Q3.How were the early Christians treated?
Q4.When did Constantine convert to Christianity?
Q5.Order these events chronologically
Q6.Missionaries travelled from the Roman Empire all over to spread Christianity.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When Constantine converted, Christianity became popular among the...
Q2.Evidence found in Britain suggests Christianity was introduced in the...
Q3.What was discovered at Hinton St Mary? A Roman...
Q4.What does 'Chi Rho' mean?
Q5.What was discovered at the Roman villa in Lullingstone?
Q6.The Roman mosaic and the wall paintings are evidence of Christianity's...
To help you plan your 5 history lesson on: Roman Christianity in Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 history lesson on: Roman Christianity in Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Britain after the Romans: how did Christianity survive in the British Isles? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.