Rise of Christianity

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth is also commonly referred to as Jesus Christ, and is the centerpiece of modern Christianity. Most records state his birth being in 4 BCE. He was a Jewish preacher who gathered a following of fiercely loyal friends he called his disciples. After being murdered on a cross along with two others, a new religion called Christianity based around his teachings began to gain momentum. Christians believe him to be the son of God.

Roman Rule of Israel

3

Roman rule of Israel began in 3 AD. In around 44 under Agrippa. in 66 there was the first Jewish war, after which it became an independent Roman province.

Paul of Tarsus

45

A formerly Jewish apostle, who taught the teachings of Christ in around 45 AD. According to the bible, prior to his conversion to Christianity, he was dedicated to persecuting Christ's followers. He is believed to have been born around 5 AD., and to have died around 64 AD.

Great Fire of Rome

67

The great fire of Rome happened in the year 67, while Nero was emperor. Though Nero is often blamed for beginning the fire he was actually in a neighboring city at the time. Despite this, he used the fire for his political agenda, systematically blaming the Christians for "starting" the fire. In reality the fire started in some of the rickety slums south of Palatine Hill. The fire resulted in the persecution of hundreds of Christians.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a Christian martyr. featured in the early Christian text: The Passion of St. Peretua, St. Felicitas, and Their companions. She was a married noblewoman who is believed to have died in 203 A.D. She was imprisoned and killed for her faith.

Great Persecution

303

Last large scale Christian persecution under the emperor Diocletian. Before it there had been smaller persecutions, but most emperors had been reluctant to do anything with the Christians until Diocletian took over and went down in history as the match igniting the largest series of Christian persecutions in Roman history.

Constantine the Great

312

Born in 272, Constantine became famous for being the first Christian Roman emperor. His conversion happened before the battle of Milvian Bridge where he allegedly saw a cross in the sky and words inscribed under it. In 313 he issued the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity in the Roman empire. After that he began a city in what is now turkey, called Constantinople. In Constantinople he built numerous Christian churches and it became on of the most powerful and rich cities of the day.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was a definite victory for the emperor Constantine the Great, between him and Maxentius. Prior to the battle, Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky and he changed the banners and shields to crosses. This victory is significant because it Constantine was fighting for Christianity and won despite being outnumbered.

Edict of Milan

313

Issued in 313, a year following the battle of Milvian bridge, the Edict legalized the practice of Christianity, and therefore popularized it. Issued by Constantine the Great, and signed by himself and Lucinius. This was monumental in the rise of Christianity, because it allowed Christians to practice freely and without fear.

Emperor Theodosius

392

Emperor Theodosius was the last emperor to rule over both halves of the Roman Empire. Under Theodosius there was pagan persecution from the Christians, and the banning of many pagan rituals such as the Olympics. By the end of his reign, many artifacts and temples had been destroyed.