Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

By Nathan Kaszynski
  • 40 BCE

    Roman Rule of Israel

    Roman Rule of Israel
    • Herod was appointed king of Judea -Became one of the most powerful monarchs in the eastern part of Rome
    • Had huge construction projects
    • Failed to win trust and support of Jewish subjects -After Herods death in 4 BCE, Judea went under direct Roamn administration.
  • 4 BCE

    Jesus of Nazareth

    Jesus of Nazareth
    -First-century Jewish preacher and religious leader
    -The central figure of Christianity
    -most Christians believe he was the incarnation of God the son
    -Died of crucifixion
    -Died in 30/33
  • 5

    Paul of Tarsus

    Paul of Tarsus
    • AKA saint Paul or Saul of Tarsus -An apostle who taught the gospel of Christ
    • founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe -ministered both jewish and Roman audiences -died in 64 or 67
  • 64

    Great Fire of Rome

    Great Fire of Rome
    -Urban Fire that caused widespread devastation across Rome
    -Historians debate on whether it was Emperor Nero or the Christian community that started the fire
    -This initiated the first persecution against Christians.
    -Of Romes 14 districts, 3 were completely devastated, 7 had minor damage, and only 4 were untouched.
    -Lasted 6 days until being brought under control
  • 182

    Perpetua

    Perpetua
    -full name Vibia Perpetua
    -Christian Martyr
    -Wrote the Pasion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, A journal recounting her trial and imprisonment. A contemporary continued the journal and described Perpetua's death.
    -her text is highly revered by ancient and modern Christians.
    -died March 7, 203
  • 272

    Constantine the Great

    Constantine the Great
    -Roman emperor that ruled in 306 to his death in 337
    -During his reign, Christianity started turning into the dominant religion
    -His reasons for favoring Christianity is unknown
    -He ceased the persecution of Christians
    -The Idict of Milan was issued, decriminalizing christian worship
  • 303

    Great persecution of 303

    Great persecution of 303
    • Also known as the Diocletianic persecution -last and most severe persecution of Christians -Edicts were issued takin away Christians legal rights and demanding they do things against their religion. -The Edict of Milan ended the Persecution -Ended in 313
  • 312

    Battle of Milvian Bridge

    Battle of Milvian Bridge
    • Took place between emperors Constantine and Maxentius
    • The Milvian bridge is an important bridge over the Tiber -Constantine won and that led him to become the sole leader of Rome opposed to a tetrarchy -Marked the beginning of Constantines conversion to Christianity -Constantine and his soldiers claim they saw a vision from god that promised victory if they painted certain symbols on their shields.
  • 313

    Edict of Milan

    Edict of Milan
    • A letter signed by emperors Constantine and Licinius -Proclaimed religious toleration -Issued after emperor Diocletian -With the Letter, there was a period where Constantine granted favors to the Christian church. -Exact words of Edict are no longer known
  • 347

    Emperor Theodosius

    Emperor Theodosius
    • AKA Theodosius 1, or Theodosius the Great -Began ruling in 379 -last Emperor to rule a united Roman Empire -He established and defended Christianity as the state religion -Died on January 17, 395