Ancient History: Greece, Rome & Early Church

Understanding the Past Through Two Lenses

Grades 5-6

About This Workbook: The Dual-View Approach

In this workbook, you'll learn about ancient Greece, Rome, and the early church from two perspectives:

What Textbooks Teach (Mainstream View)

This is what most public schools and secular textbooks teach. You need to know this material for tests, but you should also understand what gets left out or distorted.

What Scripture Says (Biblical Truth)

This is how the Bible and biblical history illuminate these events. Scripture provides the TRUE framework for understanding all of history.

What Textbooks Miss or Distort

Here we examine what secular history often ignores or gets wrong - the hidden truths that change how we understand the past.

Hidden History Revealed

Documented facts that mainstream education often suppresses or ignores because they don't fit the secular narrative.

"Remember the former things of old: for I am El, and there is none else; I am Elohim, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning." - Isaiah 46:9-10

1Ancient Greece - Birthplace of Western Civilization

Civilization: An advanced society with cities, government, writing, and organized religion.

What Textbooks Teach

Ancient Greece (800-146 BC) is called the "cradle of Western civilization." Textbooks emphasize:

What Scripture Says

Greece appears in Bible prophecy! Daniel called it the "kingdom of bronze" (Daniel 2:39) and saw a "male goat" representing Greece (Daniel 8:21). The prophet wrote this over 200 years before Alexander the Great fulfilled these prophecies!

What Textbooks Miss

Key City-States

Athens: Known for democracy, philosophy, and art. But also pagan temples and immoral practices.

Sparta: Military state where boys were taken from families at age 7 to train as soldiers. Cruel practices were common.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah." - Colossians 2:8

Practice

1. What did Daniel call Greece in his prophecy?

2. In Greek "democracy," who could NOT vote? (Check all that apply)

[ ] Women   [ ] Slaves   [ ] Foreigners   [ ] Free adult males

3. Why should we be careful about Greek philosophy according to Colossians 2:8?

Family Discussion

2Greek Philosophy vs. Biblical Wisdom

Philosophy: From Greek "philosophia" meaning "love of wisdom." The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics.

What Textbooks Teach

Greek philosophers are presented as the founders of rational thought:

Textbooks claim Greek philosophy is the foundation of science and Western thought.

What Scripture Says

True wisdom doesn't come from human philosophy - it comes from Yahuah!

Greek Philosophy Biblical Wisdom Man is the measure of all things Yahuah is the measure of all things Truth is discovered through human reason Truth is revealed by Yahuah The soul is naturally immortal Only Yahuah has immortality (1 Timothy 6:16) Many gods or impersonal forces One Creator - Yahuah Matter is eternal Yahuah created everything from nothing

Dangerous Ideas from Greek Philosophy

  • Plato's "immortal soul": Led to false doctrine that the soul never dies - contradicts Scripture (Ezekiel 18:4)
  • Gnosticism: Mixed Greek ideas with Christianity - taught matter is evil and secret knowledge saves
  • Dualism: Separated "spiritual" from "physical" - contradicts Yahuah's creation of a good physical world
  • These Greek ideas corrupted early Christianity!

Hidden History: Where Did Greek Wisdom Come From?

Many Greek philosophers actually learned from MORE ANCIENT sources:

  • Plato traveled to Egypt and learned from their priests
  • Pythagoras learned mathematics in Babylon and Egypt
  • Some ideas may trace back to knowledge preserved from before the Flood
  • The original source of all true knowledge is Yahuah, who taught Adam
"Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? has not Elohim made foolish the wisdom of this world?" - 1 Corinthians 1:20

Practice

1. According to Proverbs 9:10, what is the BEGINNING of wisdom?

2. Match the philosopher with their teaching:

___ Socrates    A. Taught about ideal forms and immortal soul

___ Plato      B. Taught through questions; "Know thyself"

___ Aristotle   C. Taught logic and science

3. How did Greek philosophy corrupt early Christianity?

Family Discussion

3Alexander the Great and the Spread of Greek Culture

Hellenization: The spread of Greek language, culture, and ideas throughout the ancient world.

What Textbooks Teach

  • Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) conquered the Persian Empire in just 11 years
  • By age 30, he ruled from Greece to India - the largest empire yet
  • He spread Greek language and culture everywhere (Hellenization)
  • He founded over 70 cities, including Alexandria in Egypt
  • He died mysteriously at age 32; his empire was divided among his generals

What Scripture Says

Daniel prophesied about Alexander with stunning accuracy - 200 years before Alexander was born!

  • Daniel 8:5-8, 21: A male goat (Greece) with a prominent horn (Alexander) would defeat the ram (Persia)
  • Daniel 8:8: The large horn would be broken at the height of power - Alexander died suddenly at 32
  • Daniel 8:22: Four kingdoms would arise in its place - exactly what happened when Alexander's generals divided the empire
  • Daniel 11:3-4: A mighty king (Alexander) whose kingdom would be divided "toward the four winds"

Timeline: Alexander's Conquests

334 BC Alexander invades Persian Empire
333 BC Defeats Darius III at Issus
332 BC Conquers Tyre and Egypt; founds Alexandria
331 BC Final defeat of Persia at Gaugamela
326 BC Reaches India; army refuses to go further
323 BC Dies in Babylon at age 32

Hidden History: Alexander and the Jews

According to Jewish historian Josephus, when Alexander approached Jerusalem, the High Priest showed him the prophecies in Daniel about a Greek king conquering Persia. Alexander was amazed that he had been prophesied centuries earlier! He honored the Temple and the Jews.

The Problem with Greek Culture Spreading

  • Greek religion and idol worship spread everywhere
  • Greek theaters promoted immoral entertainment
  • Gymnasiums promoted Greek values that conflicted with Torah
  • Later, Greek rulers would persecute Jews who refused to abandon Yahuah
"And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven." - Daniel 11:3-4

Practice

1. How old was Alexander when he died?

years old

2. According to Daniel 8, what animal represented Greece?

3. After Alexander died, how many kingdoms was his empire divided into?

4. Why is Daniel's prophecy about Alexander so remarkable?

Family Discussion

4The Rise of Rome

Republic: A government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions (from Latin "res publica" - public thing).

What Textbooks Teach

Rome began as a small city-state in Italy and grew to control the entire Mediterranean world:

  • 753 BC: Legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus
  • 509 BC: Romans overthrew their king and established a Republic
  • 264-146 BC: Punic Wars - Rome defeated Carthage and became dominant
  • 146 BC: Rome conquered Greece
  • 63 BC: Rome conquered Judea (the Jewish homeland)
  • 27 BC: Republic became an Empire under Augustus Caesar

What Scripture Says

Rome is the fourth kingdom in Daniel's prophecies - represented by iron:

  • Daniel 2:40: "The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron" - Rome crushed all opposition
  • Daniel 7:7: A terrifying beast with iron teeth that devoured and trampled
  • Rome ruled when Yahusha was born (Luke 2:1 - Caesar Augustus)
  • Rome crucified Yahusha (John 19:15-16)
  • Rome persecuted the early believers

The Roman Government

Senate: 300 wealthy men who made laws and controlled money

Consuls: Two leaders elected for one year each

Tribunes: Represented common people; could veto laws

Later - Emperors: One ruler with absolute power (starting with Augustus)

What Textbooks Miss About Rome

  • Brutal conquest: Rome killed and enslaved millions in its conquests
  • Slavery: 1/3 of Rome's population were slaves with no rights
  • Gladiator games: People were killed for entertainment
  • Pagan religion: Romans worshiped many false gods and later, the emperor himself
  • Persecution: Rome brutally persecuted followers of Yahusha

Hidden History: Rome and Israel

In 63 BC, Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem. When he forced his way into the Most Holy Place of the Temple (where only the High Priest could enter once a year), he found... nothing! This shocked the Romans who expected to find a statue of a god. This showed Yahuah is not like pagan gods.

Map Activity

On a map, locate the Roman Empire at its greatest extent. Find: Rome (capital), Jerusalem, Alexandria, Carthage, Athens, and the Mediterranean Sea.

"And in the days of these kings shall the Elohim of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed... it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms." - Daniel 2:44

Practice

1. What metal represented Rome in Daniel's vision?

2. When did Rome conquer Judea (the Jewish homeland)?

BC

3. What type of government did Rome have before emperors?

4. Name two terrible things about Roman society:

Family Discussion

5The Roman Empire and Pax Romana

Pax Romana: Latin for "Roman Peace" - a 200-year period of relative stability in the Roman Empire (27 BC - 180 AD).

What Textbooks Teach

The Roman Empire is celebrated for its achievements:

  • Roads: 50,000 miles of paved roads connecting the empire
  • Aqueducts: Brought water to cities
  • Law: Roman law influenced modern legal systems
  • Language: Latin became the basis for French, Spanish, Italian
  • Engineering: Arches, domes, concrete - still admired today

What Scripture Says

Yahuah used the Roman Empire's infrastructure to spread the Gospel!

  • Roman roads: Paul and other apostles traveled on them to spread the Good News
  • Greek language: Common throughout the empire - the New Testament was written in Greek
  • Pax Romana: Relatively safe travel allowed missionaries to go everywhere
  • Galatians 4:4: Yahusha came "in the fullness of time" - the perfect moment in history

How Rome Prepared the World for Yahusha

Roman Contribution How It Helped the Gospel
Road system Missionaries could travel quickly and safely
Common language (Greek) Everyone could understand the Scriptures
Peace (Pax Romana) Travel was safer than any time in history
Jewish diaspora Synagogues in every city were starting points for evangelism
Roman citizenship Paul used his citizenship to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11)

The Dark Side of the Empire

  • Emperor worship: Citizens had to declare "Caesar is Lord" - believers refused and were killed
  • Persecution: Christians were thrown to lions, burned alive, and crucified
  • Immoral entertainment: Gladiator fights, executions as public spectacles
  • Herod's dynasty: Roman-appointed kings who killed Jewish babies (Matthew 2) and John the Baptist

Key Emperors

Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD): Ruled when Yahusha was born (Luke 2:1)

Tiberius (14-37 AD): Ruled during Yahusha's ministry and crucifixion

Nero (54-68 AD): First emperor to systematically persecute believers; blamed them for the Great Fire of Rome

Vespasian/Titus (69-81 AD): Destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed." - Luke 2:1

Practice

1. What does "Pax Romana" mean?

2. Which emperor ruled when Yahusha was born?

3. List THREE ways Rome helped spread the Gospel:

4. In what year was Jerusalem and the Temple destroyed?

AD

Family Discussion

6The Early Church

Church (Ekklesia): Greek word meaning "called out ones" - the community of believers in Yahusha.

What Textbooks Teach

Secular textbooks typically present Christianity as:

  • Just another religion that arose in the Roman Empire
  • Started by Jesus, a Jewish teacher, around 30 AD
  • Spread by his followers, especially Paul
  • Eventually became the official religion of Rome under Constantine (313 AD)
  • Similar to other "mystery religions" of the time

What Scripture Says

The church is not just another religion - it is Yahuah's plan from the beginning!

  • Acts 2: The church began at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
  • Believers met daily, shared everything, and thousands were added (Acts 2:42-47)
  • The apostles taught Torah-observance AND faith in Yahusha (Acts 21:20-24)
  • The Gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
  • Early believers were called "followers of the Way" (Acts 9:2)

What Most Don't Know About the Early Church

  • They kept Sabbath: Believers continued observing the seventh-day Sabbath (Acts 13:14, 42-44; Acts 18:4)
  • They kept the Feasts: Paul kept Passover and Pentecost (Acts 20:6, 16; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
  • They ate clean foods: Acts 15 addressed gentiles - no indication dietary laws were abandoned
  • They used Hebrew names: "Yahusha" not "Jesus" (which came later through Greek/Latin translation)
  • They were Jewish! For decades, most believers were Torah-observant Jews

Key Figures in the Early Church

Peter: Led the church in Jerusalem; opened door to Gentiles (Acts 10)

Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles; wrote 13 New Testament letters; traveled the Roman world

James: Brother of Yahusha; led the Jerusalem church; emphasized faith WITH works

John: Wrote Gospel, epistles, and Revelation; last surviving apostle

Common Misconceptions

  • False: Early Christians abandoned the Torah/Law
  • True: They taught that salvation is by faith, but faith produces obedience (James 2:17-26)
  • False: Sunday worship began with the apostles
  • True: Sabbath was kept until pressure from Roman anti-Jewish laws centuries later
  • False: Christianity and Judaism split immediately
  • True: The split happened gradually over centuries
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers... And Yahuah added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:42, 47

Practice

1. What does "ekklesia" (church) mean?

2. Where did the church begin, and what happened there?

3. What were believers called before "Christians"?

4. According to Acts 2:42, what four things did early believers do?

Family Discussion

7Persecution and the Spread of the Faith

Persecution: Cruel treatment or harassment because of one's beliefs or identity.

What Textbooks Teach

Christians were persecuted by Rome because:

  • They refused to worship the Roman gods
  • They refused to call Caesar "Lord"
  • They were accused of atheism (denying Roman gods)
  • They were blamed for disasters (like Nero blaming them for the fire of Rome)
  • Their secret meetings seemed suspicious

What Scripture Says

Yahusha warned His followers that persecution would come:

  • "If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20)
  • "In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)
  • "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake" (Matthew 5:10)
  • Persecution actually SPREAD the faith - when believers fled, they took the Gospel with them (Acts 8:1-4)

Major Persecutions

33-64 AD Jewish persecution (Stephen martyred - Acts 7)
64-68 AD Nero's persecution - Christians burned as torches
81-96 AD Domitian demands worship; John exiled to Patmos
249-251 AD Decius - Empire-wide persecution
303-311 AD Great Persecution under Diocletian - the worst

Faithful Martyrs

Stephen: First martyr; saw heaven opened as he died (Acts 7)

James (son of Zebedee): Killed by Herod (Acts 12:2)

Peter: Tradition says crucified upside down in Rome

Paul: Tradition says beheaded in Rome under Nero

Polycarp (69-155 AD): Refused to deny Yahusha; burned at the stake at age 86

Hidden History: The Blood of Martyrs

The church father Tertullian wrote: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." The more Rome persecuted believers, the faster Christianity grew! People saw how believers died with courage and peace, and they wanted to know the source of such faith.

By 313 AD, despite 280 years of persecution, approximately 10% of the Roman Empire had become believers!

Lessons from Persecution

  • True faith cannot be destroyed by persecution
  • Many "Christians" abandoned their faith during persecution - showing their faith was superficial
  • Persecution separated true believers from nominal ones
  • The same pattern continues today - believers are persecuted in many countries
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:11

Practice

1. Why did Rome persecute believers?

2. Who was the first Christian martyr?

3. What happened when believers were scattered by persecution? (See Acts 8:4)

4. What did Tertullian mean by "the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church"?

Family Discussion

8Constantine and Changes to the Church

Edict of Milan (313 AD): Constantine's decree making Christianity legal and ending persecution.

What Textbooks Teach

  • Constantine became emperor in 306 AD
  • Before the Battle of Milvian Bridge (312 AD), he reportedly saw a cross in the sky
  • He legalized Christianity with the Edict of Milan (313 AD)
  • He called the Council of Nicea (325 AD) to unify Christian doctrine
  • By 380 AD, Christianity became the OFFICIAL religion of the Roman Empire
  • Textbooks present this as Christianity's great triumph

What Scripture Says

Yahusha never sought political power, and He warned about wolves in sheep's clothing:

  • "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36)
  • "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing" (Matthew 7:15)
  • Paul warned: "Grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29)
  • When the church married the state, major compromises followed

The REAL Story of Constantine's Changes

  • Constantine wasn't really converted: He was baptized only on his deathbed and continued many pagan practices
  • Sunday law (321 AD): Constantine commanded rest on "the venerable day of the Sun" (Sunday) - a pagan day. This began the shift away from Sabbath.
  • Easter replaced Passover: Council of Nicea separated Christian celebrations from Jewish calendar
  • Pagan symbols entered: Many "Christian" symbols and holidays came from Roman paganism
  • Anti-Jewish laws: Constantine passed laws separating Christianity from its Jewish roots

Hidden History: How the Church Changed

Early Church Practice After Constantine
Sabbath (7th day) Sunday (1st day)
Passover Easter (with pagan elements)
Simple worship Elaborate ceremonies from paganism
No clergy/laity division Priests in special robes like pagan priests
Hebrew names (Yahuah, Yahusha) Greek/Latin names (Lord, Jesus)
Torah-observant "Law was abolished" teaching

Constantine's Anti-Jewish Statement

At the Council of Nicea, Constantine wrote: "Let us have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd." This marked a tragic separation of Christianity from its Hebrew roots - the very foundation laid by Yahusha and the apostles!

What This Means for Us Today

Many church traditions we think are "Christian" actually came from:

  • Roman paganism
  • Constantine's political compromises
  • Later church councils that changed biblical practices

We must return to the faith "once delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3) - the faith of Yahusha and the apostles, not the compromised version that developed later!

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." - Jude 1:3

Practice

1. What did the Edict of Milan (313 AD) do?

2. What day did Constantine command people to rest on in 321 AD?

3. List THREE ways the church changed after Constantine:

4. According to Jude 1:3, what should we contend for?

Family Discussion

RReview: Greece, Rome & Early Church

Complete Timeline

800 BC Greek city-states develop
509 BC Roman Republic begins
334 BC Alexander conquers Persian Empire
63 BC Rome conquers Judea
~4 BC Yahusha born
30 AD Yahusha crucified and resurrected
33 AD Church begins at Pentecost
70 AD Rome destroys Jerusalem
313 AD Constantine legalizes Christianity
380 AD Christianity becomes official Roman religion

Key Lessons

  • Prophecy proves the Bible: Daniel predicted Greece and Rome centuries before they arose
  • Yahuah controls history: He used pagan empires to prepare the world for Yahusha
  • Greek philosophy is dangerous: It corrupted the church with false ideas
  • Persecution spreads the faith: The church grew fastest when persecuted
  • Political power corrupts: When the church gained power, it compromised with paganism
  • We must return to truth: Many church traditions aren't biblical - we must follow Scripture

Final Review

1. Put these empires in order (Daniel 2): Persia, Rome, Greece, Babylon

1st: _______ 2nd: _______ 3rd: _______ 4th: _______

2. Match:

___ Pax Romana    A. Greek spread by Alexander

___ Hellenization   B. Roman Peace

___ Ekklesia       C. Constantine's decree

___ Edict of Milan   D. Church (called out ones)

3. Why is Daniel's prophecy about Greece remarkable?

4. What was wrong with Constantine's "conversion" of the empire?

Course Complete!

Answer Key (For Parents)

Lesson 1: Ancient Greece

1. Kingdom of bronze / male goat | 2. Women, Slaves, Foreigners | 3. It can lead us away from Messiah through vain deceit and human traditions

Lesson 2: Greek Philosophy

1. The fear of Yahuah | 2. B, A, C | 3. Ideas like the immortal soul, Gnosticism, and dualism came from Greek philosophy and corrupted biblical teaching

Lesson 3: Alexander the Great

1. 32 years old | 2. A male goat | 3. Four kingdoms | 4. Daniel prophesied about Alexander over 200 years before he was born - only Yahuah could know the future

Lesson 4: Rise of Rome

1. Iron | 2. 63 BC | 3. Republic | 4. Any two: slavery, gladiator games, persecution, pagan worship, emperor worship, etc.

Lesson 5: Roman Empire

1. Roman Peace | 2. Augustus | 3. Roman roads, Greek language, Pax Romana, Jewish synagogues everywhere, Roman citizenship | 4. 70 AD

Lesson 6: Early Church

1. Called out ones | 2. Jerusalem at Pentecost - the Holy Spirit was poured out | 3. Followers of the Way | 4. Apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers

Lesson 7: Persecution

1. They refused to worship Roman gods or call Caesar "Lord" | 2. Stephen | 3. They went everywhere preaching the word | 4. When believers were killed for their faith, it caused more people to believe - persecution caused growth

Lesson 8: Constantine

1. Made Christianity legal, ended persecution | 2. Sunday | 3. Any three: Sabbath to Sunday, Passover to Easter, elaborate ceremonies, clergy class, name changes, Torah abandoned | 4. The faith once delivered to the saints

Review

1. Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome | 2. B, A, D, C | 3. Written 200+ years before Alexander was born | 4. The church compromised with paganism, changed Sabbath to Sunday, added pagan practices, separated from Jewish roots