Rise of Christianity in The Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

64 BCE

The Roman Empire up to this point rules most of the new world. The Roman Empire was large but it was spread thin. Julius Caesar had come to an arrangement with the Israelis so they wouldn't revolt. The Israelis became to see worshiping god as a privilege due to Caesar.

Jesus of Nazerath

4 BCE

Often referred to as Jesus, he is the central figure of Christianity. All scholars agree that Jesus was a real historical figure and he was a preacher, but the bible portrays Jesus differently then how it is thought in the real world. Jesus was a Jew but he often debated with his peers on how they viewed god. (Born 4 BC , died 30 AD

Great Fire Of Rome

64

The Great Fire Of Rome was when there was a fire that burned half of the city. The people of Rome suspected that it was the emperor Nero who had started the fire. Nero used the Christians as a scapegoat to cover his own hide and blamed them for the fire. He then gave the order to throw Christians to the beasts and burn them alive.

Paul of Tarsus

64

Saint Paul taught the gospel of Christ to the first century world. He is one of the most important figures in the Apostolic Age and he founded many churches in Asia Minor and Europe. Paul was originally dedicated to persecuting the original followers of Jesus but after he saw resurrected Jesus he started preaching the word of Jesus. (Born 5 AD, Died 64 AD)

Perpetua

203

The Passion of Saint Perpetua, Saint Felicitas, and their Companions, is one of the oldest Christian texts we know of. It has 2 forms of Latin and Greek and it was Perpetuas prison diary. Perpetua was supposedly a married noblewoman and died at the age of 22.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

This is the biggest and greatest persecution of Christians in history. The 4 emperors released edicts that the Christians had to comply with Roman religious rights. They were used to being discriminated against in the empire, either by the Great Fire, or other local persecutions. This was the first time that general laws were passed personally against the religion.

Constantine The Great

312

During the time when Constantine was trying to get into power Rome was warring with itself. Constantine was going to be going to battle the next day against Maxentius, a bigger power than Constantine. It is said that he had a vision to put Chi Rho onto the soldiers shield (the first letters of Christs name) and they had won the battle. Constantine said the victory was because of Christ so he made Christianity legal again.

The Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The battle was between Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius. The battle takes it name from the Milvian Bridge an important route on the Tiber River. Constantine won the battle and he went on the path to end the Tetrarchy. He then became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire.

Edict of Milan

313

This was the treaty that made Christianity legal in Rome. The Roman Emperor Constantine I and Licinius, who was head of the Balkans met in Milan. Among other things they decided to change their policies toward the Christians. This did not make Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire though, it only changed laws about them.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Theodosius was the last one to rule both the east and west at the same time before they split. He campaigned against the goths and other barbarians who entered the empire at the time. He was able to win 2 separate civil wars with no material cost of Rome. After his death, his 2 sons inherited the empire splitting it in half, and it was never rejoined again.