In many ways, Roman society and its ideas have changed the way we live today. Because the Roman Empire spread over so much of Europe and Britain, many modern-day nations have inherited aspects of Roman life, even language.
During the first century AD, Roman emperors persecuted Christians. The number of followers of Christianity continued to grow among both the upper and lower classes. In the year AD 394, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius, Christianity became the official state religion of Rome.
During the Empire there were often more than 100 festival days a year. On these days, the Romans held Public games and businesses shut down so people could celebrate. Two important festivals were:
Ludi Florales (28 April - 3 May) - a time in which flowers were displayed and people wore brightly coloured chains of flowers around their heads and danced.
Saturnalia ( 17 - 24 December) - a time of giving presents. On one day of the festival, owners waited on their slaves and gave them dinner and gifts.