Christendom

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In the fourth century AD, a new faith emerged from Palestine, overwhelming Roman paganism and converting Emperor Constantine. By the end of the first millennium, Christian rulers dominated Europe, with the religion deeply embedded in culture and society. However, Peter Heather reveals that Christendom's rise to power was not inevitable. He examines how Christianity evolved from isolated congregations into a mass movement directed from Rome, constantly battling heresies and competing beliefs. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, which nearly led to the religion's extinction, the Papacy emerged as a powerful international entity. Heather highlights Christendom's remarkable ability to reinvent itself and mobilize force effectively. Its achievement extended beyond defining official Christianity; it transformed into an institution that exercised significant religious authority over the diverse peoples of medieval Europe, involving scholars, lawyers, provincial officials, and missionaries. This compelling history chronicles the extraordinary journey of Christendom and its profound impact on European society.