Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

63 BCE

After Rome became a republic, the Empire grew stronger and larger. They reached well beyond the borders of Italy, into Africa, Asia, and Europe. Israel was a strategical location as it was in between continents and allowed Rome to move freely. Since Israel was such a sought after location, Rome made a deal to accept their monotheistic religion if they obeyed Roman laws, payed taxes, and kept the peace.

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus of Nazareth is regarded by the Christian religion as the reincarnation of god on earth. He was the son of Virgin Mary and most of his teachings and nature is reflected in the bible and christian culture. He was a messiah to bring forgiveness and to teach his values as prophesied in the old-testament. He is the most prominent christian leader in the Christian culture.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

Many believed that the fire originated in the Circus Maximus and was quickly fanned across the empire of Rome. Efforts to put out the fire were hindered by gangs of men as they threw torches to encourage the fire. Meanwhile Nero was at Antium at the coast and returned to help with relief efforts for the fire. Many of the people of Rome where skeptical of Nero's authenticity as a leader and were led to believe that he hired men to set a fire in his efforts of rivalry with the ruthless Caligra.

Paul of Tarsus

67

Also known as Paul the Apostle he was known for traveling miles a time to spread the word of Christianity and his letters have become one of the biggest influences on the Christian Theology. The bible does not state how Saint Paul died but it is believe that he died under the orders of Emperor Nero and was killed by decapitation. His major emphasis and more influential contributes consist of his value for Celibacy, and the theory of divine grace and salvation.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a married noblewoman and was considered a Christian Martyr of her time. A martyr is a person who is killed because of their testimony of God and Jesus. Christians were considered a threat to the fragile Pax Deorum so those like Perpetua who were caught practicing the christian religion were offered as a sacrifice to the Gods. Perpetua admitted to being a Christian although her life was at stake and was slain by a sword along with her other followers of Christ.

Constantine the Great

280

Constantine the Great was born the son of Emperor Flavias Constantine fought in Italy against Maxentius on the Tiber river on the Milvian Bridge. Accounts of Constantine state that Constantine had a vision to order the Christian Symbol to be painted on his soldier; shields, Constantine was successful under the emblem and entered Rome. As the new leader, Constantine used his power to address the status of Christians and under the Edict of Milan

The Great Persecution

303

Christians persecutions were rare but under the Emporer Diocletian, The Great Persecution was the only one of great length. His goal was to wipe out any churches, ordered scriptures to be burned, and killed, tortured or persecute those practicing the religion. Diocletian sought after the old Roman religion where the emporer was viewed as a god and

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian bridge was on October 28,312 and consisted of Emperors Constantine and Maxentius. On the night before the battle, Constantine had a dream that the sun was overlain with a cross and inscribed were the words that translated into "In this sign,prevail", the next day his men painted crosses on their shields and fought as a Christian army. After this victory, he converted to Christianity and this miracle influenced many others to do the same.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter that was signed by Emperor Constantine and Licinius, so that the Christian religion can be tolerated after the ongoing struggles of persecution and allowed them freedom to worship whatever deity they pleased to. The confiscated property was returned and they were allowed to build churches to worship.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Flavius Theodosius was born on January 11, 347 in Caca,Callaecia now Coca,Spain and was Roman emperor of East Rome (379-392), eventually, he was the only emperor of eastern and western Rome (392-395). During an illness, the emperor accepted a baptism and and issued the Edict of Thesselonica which made Christianity, specifically Nicene Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire.