Rise of Christianity in The Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus of Nazareth (known as Jesus Christ to the Christians) was a Jewish religious leader and the main center of Christianity. While in Jerusalem, the Sanhedrin found Jesus guilty in blasphemy and was condemned to death. Although Roman law required a confession for the penalty, The procurator of Rome ordered Jesus' execution as a crucifixion, a practice in the Roman empire.

Paul of Tarsus

62

Paul of Tarsus is well known for being one of the first generation Christian leaders. His last surviving letters had an enormous influence in Christianity today. On his way to Damascus, he was said to have a vision in which he sees God, while many other sources claim it to be a bright light. He begins his famous meetings to the west of preaching in areas such as Syria. He built three churches in Asia Minor and three in Europe especially the Church at Corinth.

Great Fire of Rome

64

Fires broke out on July 19th, 64 CE near the Circus Maximus for 6 days. While gangs have tried to prevent the fire from spreading, 2/3 of Rome was in ruins while 10 out of 14 districts were burned including the Temple of Jupiter Stator and Atrium Vestae. The Emperor Nero was blamed for the atrocious disaster since he really wasn't doing much to support his suffering people.

Roman Rule of Israel begins

67

The Romans granted Hyrancus II limited power under the Roman governor of Damascus. The Jewish people felt resentment towards the Roman regime. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple was terrible! Thousands of Jews were sent into slavery. However during the revolt Shimon Bar Kokhba during when Jerusalem and Judea were gained back. Judea was renamed Palastenia and Jerusalem, Aelia Capitolina

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a Christian martyr who was executed in Carthage. She began a diary of her imprisonment, which included prophetic dreams. Before her execution, Perpetua gave her diary to another Christian, who described the bravery of the Christians when facing wild beats and Perpetua's bravery of being executed. Now her diary is read annually at Carthage's churches.

The Great Persecution of Christians

250

During Rome's downfall, there occurred drought, plague and low economy. The Emperor Diocletian pointed his finger at the Christians, the minority, for the cause of the sad upbringing sent from the Roman gods. For their punishments, the Christians were given a mass persecution for their dislike of the gods and for not worshiping the emperor. Mass number of Christians were executed by being thrown into a scary beasts, were burned alive at the stake or were crucified.

Constantine The Great

306

Constantine The Great was one of Rome's successful emperor. In 312 BCE, while defeating Maxintius, he had the vision where he was instructed to paint the Christian symbol into the shields of his soldiers. After the embalming, Constantine won his battles. While his reign he also issued the Edict of Milan in 313 BCE, legalizing Christianity. The Edict of Milan also granted freedom of religious worship for the entire empire.

The Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was fought at the Tiber River between Constantinus and Maxentius. It was 5-year long dispute over who could control the Western sect of the Empire. After he saw his Christian vision, he was victorious at the battle, while he was known as a skillful general. Maxintius and his army retreated and decided to rule on another area of Rome.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a treaty signed by Constantine The Great in order to offer religious freedom while also granting the legalization of Christianity. It was also issued after Diocletian's unfair persecution of Christians. It also marked the end of Rome's persecution of Christians.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Theodosius was the last Roman emperor who reunited Eastern and Western portions of Rome. The portions split after his death. Theodosius also established Christianity as the official state religion. He is said by some as controversial since he 'transformed' the empire into imperialism, and had imposed measures against polytheism.