Christianity began to spread rapidly in the first century despite the hate from Nero and other emperors. By the 3rd century, Christianity had become a dominant religion in the Roman Empire. But it was not until 312 that persecution of Christian officially ended. In 395 AD Theodosius declared Christianity the state religion. 

The early church borrowed from Rome when they developed their system of government. Each region was ruled by a bishop. Each bishop reported to an archbishop. Jerusalem, Alexandra and Antioch were seen as special bishoprics.

Part of the early church was the development of monasticism. Some Christian became solitary hermits.  The idea of the lifestyle spread and soon a system was created where monks could live out their solitude with other monks.