Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule in Israel

135 BCE

When the Romans conquered Israel they gave the Jews a level of autonomy but they were really ruled by Rome. After defeating a revolt in Israel the area became a Roman province with Herod as king. After Herod's death Israel was cut up for his sons. The Jews again revolted against the Romans and as a result Jerusalem was destroyed. The Jews revolted a 3rd time in 135 CE and the Romans leveled Jerusalem, deporting many Jews. This led to the spread of Jewish ideals, the precursor to Christianity.

Jesus of Nazareth

1 CE

Jesus was born in Bethlehem around 0 CE. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist as a young adult and went to spread his teachings of Christianity. To assist him in his teaching Jesus chose 12 men to be his disciples. In his teaching Jesus often spoke in parables to get a message across that may be complex in nature. When Jesus entered Jerusalem shortly before his death people praised him and thought he could bring better life to the Jewish people. Jesus was later crucified on Golgotha.

Paul of Tarsus

63

For about half of his life Paul was a Pharisee (leaders in the Jewish church). He persecuted Christians during this time until he had a vision on the road to Damascus in which God revealed Jesus to Paul. After this vision Paul created many new Christian churches in Asia Minor and Europe including the church in Corinth. Paul also created an agreement with Peter that Paul would be the apostle to Gentiles and Peter to Jews. Eventually, Paul was executed in Rome by Nero.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome started in 64 CE and burned uncontrollably for six days and then reignited to burn for another three. The flames destroyed two thirds of Rome or 10 of its 14 districts. The current emperor, Nero, let his palace be used as a shelter during the fire. Afterward he blamed the fire on the Christians. He became known to torture and feed Christians to animals. He even used burning Christians as torches at his dinner parties.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua was caught preparing for baptism after the emperor Septimus Severus outlawed conversion to Christianity. She and five others were tried and sentenced to death in the arena. Perpetua kept a diary of her imprisonment. This included her father's plea for her to renounce her faith and her seemingly prophetic dreams. She eventually gave her diary to another Christian who continued writing the her story of imprisonment and arena battle. Perpetua's story served as an inspiration to Christians.

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The emperor Diocletian wanted to completely wipe out the Christian faith. He wanted to convert the empire back to pagan worship so he gave freedom to Christians who would offer a pagan sacrifice and convert. He ordered all Christian church buildings destroyed. Christians were also condemned to horrible deaths in the arena making many martyrs. This was the last time Christians were persecuted in Ancient Rome but also was the largest and most savage persecution of them in the Roman Empire.

Constantine the Great

312

Constantine the Great was the first emperor who allowed Christianity to be practiced freely in the Roman Empire. Constantine helped create the Edict of Milan which officially legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. At the battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE Constantine saw a vision that commanded him to paint an X over a P on his army's shields. He believed this was from the Christian God and decided to follow his teachings. Constantine also wanted a unified church and to build many churches.

The Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

Constantine's forces faced off against Maxentius' forces for control of the Roman Empire at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. After Constantine's Christian vision he had his soldiers fight as Christian Soldiers with an X and a P on their shields. Maxentius' forces were too close to the river so Constantine's cavalry charged and caused mass confusion. The enemy troops didn't have space to reform and tried to retreat on pontoon bridges, resulting in many soldiers drowning. Constantine was victorious.

The Edict of Milan

313

The emperors Constantine and Lucinius met at Milan to create the Edict of Milan giving all persons in the Roman Empire the ability to worship whatever they please. It specifically assured Christians that they could freely practice their religion without persecution. The Edict also returned all confiscated Christian property and was the first effectively created act of toleration that lasted for longer than a short regime. The Edict also ordered that all wrongs be made right to Christians.

The Emperor Theodosius

347

Theodosius was born in 347 CE and was the last emperor to rule both the east and west of the Roman Empire. He fought the Goths and made a peace deal with them creating a smaller nation within the Empire. Theodosius also made Christianity the state religion. He forced all religious buildings to be handed over to the Christian bishops. His state sponsored branch of Christianity was called Nicene Christianity and used the Nicene Creed heavily in its teachings.