It was in Roman territory which was filled with cultural diffusion. Rome tolerated all religions as long as people payed taxes to the emperor to keep the peace. The emperor allowed other culture and religion so there wouldn't be an revolts against their own people. Later on a bad emperor Nero blamed Christians for a fire which changed things which led to the fall of Rome. Hope this helped!
It benefited the elderly people after retirement.
An abundance of natural resources including Salt and Gold minerals.