The adoption of Nicene Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380 was only a first step in the Christianization of Europe. Not only were the majority of Europeans still pagans in 380, but a significant number of the Germanic peoples who had converted were Arians, Christians who rejected the Nicene Creed and, by extension, the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The spread of Roman Catholicism throughout Europe would take centuries to accomplish, requiring a massive effort by both secular and religious leaders. At times, the process of conversion was relatively peaceful, accomplished, at least in part, through the persuasive powers of Catholic missionaries. In many cases, however, forced conversion followed conquest, with the spread of Roman Catholicism serving as a central justification for territorial expansion and the subjugation of non-Catholic populations. As you read the documents below, reflect on the role of force in the spread of Roman Catholicism. Would the conversion of western Europe have been possible without some degree of coercion? How did the expansion of Roman Catholicism serve the interests of both the Church and secular rulers?