At first it was considered a sect and it was prohibited and believers were prosecuted and often murdered, tortured, punished in cruel ways, or anything similar. It spread fast, however, since many people were poor and dissatisfied with the Roman empire and found comfort in such a religion that supported peace and love. Eventually, they were allowed to practice freely, and after a while it even became the official religion of the empire.
The spread<span> of </span>Christianity<span> was made a lot easier by the efficiency of the </span>Roman Empire<span>, but its principles </span>were<span> sometimes misunderstood and membership of the sect could be dangerous. Although Jesus had died, his message had not. Word of his teachings </span>spread<span> to Jewish communities across the </span>empire<span>.</span>
The absolute monarch Maria Theresa of Austria increase her authority by curbing the power of the nobles and<span> limiting the power of the Church. </span>
