Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. As he grew up He shared His teachings with His disciples. in the year 30 AD he was persecuted under Pontius Pilate and was hung on the Cross to die, Three days later he rose again and sits at the right hand of God.

Paul of Tarsus

62

One of the leaders of first generation Christians. His letters had a great influence on Christian theology and told a lot of the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ. Had a huge influence of Christianity separating itself from the Jews. Christianity became a largely gentile religion because of Paul.

Roman Rule of Israel

64

Rome Ruling Israel was very strategic, this would mean that Rome could move freely between the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. The family of Hyrcanus and Aristobulus succeeded the Greeks about 100 years before they became high priests. When living under the Romans one had religious freedom and the government did not interfere with religious practices. The government overtaxed the provinces in order to make a large profit. This made tax collectors despised by the people.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The fire raged for 6 days before coming under control, after the fire reignited for another 3 days. the fire cleared 10 out of 14 districts were ruined. Christians were blamed because one section that was not burned was where many Christians lived. This led to there persecution. History blames Nero was blamed and said that he wanted to rebuild the way that he wanted it.

Perpetua

203

At the time African was the center of a great Christian community. Emperor Septimius Severus wanted to cripple Christianity. One of the first Christians arrested was Perpetua who was preparing for baptism. She had to deny being a Christian to escape.

Great Persecution

303

Emperor Diocletian Issued a number of edicts attacking the Christian, all churches were to be destroyed, all meetings were prohibited and all copies of the Bible were to be burnt in public. historians believe that between 2,500 and 3,500 people were victims.

The Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

Constantine saw a vision in the sky of the Cross and XP in the sky and said that if he put XP on his soldiers swords that he would have a victory. This came to be true and Constantine won the Battle and rose to power.

Constantine the Great

312

the night before the battle of Milivian Bridge, Constantine saw a vision in the sky telling him of his victory as long as he wrote XP on his soldiers swords. Constantine and his soldiers won the battle and he credited it to God. soon Constantine rose to power and made Christianity legal and supported the churches activities

Edict of Milan

313

This proclaimed religious tolerance for Christianity between roman emperors Constantine and Licinius. Granted everyone permission to worship whatever God or Goddess they pleased. Also gave Christians the legal right to organize churches. Previously edicts had been short-lived .

Emperor Theodosius

380

While having a serious illness early in his reign, he accepted the Christian baptism and proclaimed himself a Christian of the Nicene Creed. He also fought against the pagans and ensured that Christianity would thrive in Rome.