Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Edict of Milan

313 BCE

The Edict of Milan was a letter allowing everyone to worship any religion freely without persecution and with full tolerance. This was signed both by Constantine and Licinius to end the persecution and unfair treatment of Christians.

Constantine the Great

312 BCE

Leading his army into the Battle of Milvian, Constantine claims that he looked up at the sun and clouds to see a cross with the words "Ἐν Τούτῳ Νίκα", which means "in this sign, conquer" on it. Later that night, Constantine receives a vision. Impacted by these events, he puts an overlapping XP on all the shields. This lead to the victory of the battle. He helped create the Edict of Milan and became Emperor.

The Great Persecution

303 BCE

Roman emperor Diocletian revokes the rights of Christians, blaming them for the poor economy and political problems. His goal was to rebuild the worship in old gods and unify the empire.

The Great Fire of Rome

64 BCE

Thought to by caused by Rome's emperor, Nero, fire started in mid-July lasting for six days. This fire burned ten of Rome's fourteen districts. Historians believe Nero started the fire in order to rebuild the empire and he blamed Christians for this act. Roman historian Tactius claims that he saw Nero playing his fiddle while watching Rome burn.

Roman Rule Of Israel

6 BCE

Roman general, Pompey, conquered Jerusalem in 63 BC. Later, Julius Caesar defeated Pompey and established Judaism as a legal religion. At this time, Constantine and Licinius agreed upon the Edict of Milan. In 380 BC, the Edict of Thessalonica was issued and Christianity was declared the new state church in the Roman Empire.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish preacher from 4 BC to 30 AD and is the central figure in Christianity. Jesus preached the gospel in Jerusalem. He was believed to preform miracles, founded of the Christian church, died of crucifixion and rose from the dead. Jesus enables people to restore relationships with God.

Paul of Tarsus

5

One of the first apostles who taught Christianity. He wrote of the gospel and religion. Original name, Saul, was considered one of the most important figures in history. He took status as a Roman and Jewish citizen. Paul was beheaded under Nero in around 64 AD.

Perpetua

203

She was a Christian noblewoman, who was imprisoned by Emperor Septimius Severus. He believed it was against Roman patriotism to be Christian. Perpetua's father came to see her in prison and told her to deny that she was Christian, so she could be released. She refused the idea. She proclaimed that she was Christian and accepted whatever came next. At her hearing, she refused to make a sacrifice (as worship to the emperor) and admitted that she was Christian. She was soon killed in the arena.

The Battle of Milivan Bridge

312

The Battle of Milivan marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. In the year 312 AD, Constantine invaded Italy winning battles and continuing to Rome. Maxentius came to fight Constantine, but was destroyed at the bridge. This battle made Constantine ruler over the Roman empire and is one of the most important events in history.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Was the last Roman emperor, (379-395 AD) to rule over both the west and eastern parts of the empire. He used his power and enforced orthodox Christianity as well as placing power under the church. Theodosius accepted Christian baptism and was the first who accepted its doctrines where as other rulers (less than a decade later) declined it.