Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

64 BCE

Pompey established the Roman province of Syria in 64 BC. Later Julius Caeser defeated Pompey in 45 BC. Caeser established Judiusim as an officially recognized religion by the roman empire. Tensions between the two groups ended up causing multiple Jewish-Roman wars between 65 and 135 AD. Once Christianity became the state religion in 380 Jewish people were persecuted. Along with tyranny the Romans also brought their technology like aqueducts into the middle east.

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus is often regarded as the leader of Christianity. He was a Jewish preacher in the first century and talked with other Jews about how to best follow god. Jewish authorities arrested him and turned him over to the Roman Empire where he was crucified. His followers believe that he rose from the dead and founded the church of Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus

64

Saint Paul the Apostle is often regarded as the most important person to Christianity other than Jesus them self. He was a jew and a roman citizen so he was able to persuade people from both parties. He was an important preacher that preached that Jesus was the son of god. Even though many other people were spreading Jesus's teachings Paul is regarded as the most influential. His writings influenced and continue to influence many people today. Paul died in 64 CE.

Great Fire of Rome

64

In July of 64 AD Emperor Nero cracked down of Christians in Rome. He used the Christians as a scapegoat for the fires which Nero was suspected of creating. The fire is suspected of starting in the merchant shops near Circus Maximums. The fire was controlled after 6 days but two thirds of Rome was still destroyed. Nero famously played music while the fire burned and was an ineffectual leader.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was born in Carthage in 182. Her and her family were part of the fast growing christian community in Carthage. She wrote a journal about her prosecution which was read for centuries inside of Carthaginian churches. 200 years after it was written Father Augustine, "wrote sermons commenting on the young martyr’s words." Even today her texts continue to let people see the life of a christian during the 200's.

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The great persecution was the last of the major christian persecutions. In 303 the roman emperor issued a series of laws restricting Christians rights. This included forcing them to practice polytheism and to perform sacrifices. Intensity of the persecution varied throughout the empire but it servery impacted all Christians. The laws were finally rolled back with Constantine's edict of Milan.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

During the battle of Milivian Bridge emperor Constantine was fighting for control of Rome. However, the battle is most well known for its biblical connection. Constantine and his troops, "saw a cross of light in the sky above the sun with words in Greek." and later that night he had a dream that, " Christ told him he should use the sign of the cross against his enemies." He was so astonished that he put the symbols on his soldiers shields. This event supposedly turned him Christian.

Edict of Milan

313

The edict of Milan was the act that made Christianity legal in the roman empire. It was passed by Emperor Constantine and Emperor Licinius in February of 313 in modern day Milan, hence the name. Some debate whether there was an official edict but either way Christianity was legal in the roman empire after that event. At the time Constantine did not have full control of the roman empire, instead Constantine controlled the western part and Licinius controlled the Balkans.

Constantine the Great

313

Constantine the Great was the Roman emperor to introduce Christianity to the roman empire. During a battle Constantine saw a vision which converted him to Christianity. In the edict of milian Constantine made Christianity legal. In 303 he moved the capital to Constantinople which is modern day Istanbul.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Emperor Theodosius was the last emperor to have control over both halves of the roman empire. His reign began in 379 and it lasted until 395. He made Christianity the state religion under his rule. Theodosius did not prevent or punish the destruction of many Hellenistic sites, and he banned polytheistic rituals at the Olympics. He is also considered a saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.