Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule in Israel

40 BCE

When the Romans took rule of the region, the Jews were hostile to the new regime. Herod, the new king of Judea, had extreme power and became one of the most powerful monarchs in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Despite Herod's many achievements, he failed to win the trust and support of the Jews under his rule. After decades of built up anger against the Roman Empire, the Jews revolted against the Empire and were defeated, and all of Jerusalem was destroyed as well.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. Christians believe that he is the incarnation of God, and the awaited Christ prophesied in the Old Testament. Scholars believe that Jesus exists, but they aren't sure of whether he is like the scriptures told or if those aren't historically accurate.

Paul of Tarsus

5

Also known as "Paul the Apostle," he was was an apostle who taught the gospel of Christ. Paul is considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic age, and he founded several churches. He used his status of being Jewish and a Roman citizen to appeal to both audiences. According to writings, Paul was dedicated to persecuting the early disciples of Jesus, but the resurrected Jesus appeared to him and he began to preach the works of Jesus.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The fire broke out on the night of July 19. The fire started in the shops lining the Circus Maximus. The fire was not unusual in a city of two million people, especially in the summer heat. The fire raged for six days before it was finally put under control. After it all was over, two thirds of Rome had been destroyed. People now blame the current ruler of Rome for the fire, so that he could rebuild the city in the way that he wanted to.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua was a Christian woman who lived with her husband, son, and her slave. At this time, North Africa was the was the center of the Christian community, and the current emperor who was determined to end Christianity, obviously focused his attention on North Africa. He arrested Christians, including Perpetua. Her father told her to say that she isn't Christian, but she insisted to stay, as she would not lie and say she isn't something that she is.

Constantine the Great

280

Constantine was a Roman emperor who ruled early in the fourth century. He was also the first Christian emperor. Constantine issued an edict that protected Christians, and he converted to Christianity on his deathbed in 337.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Also called the Diocletian Persecution, it was the last and most severe persecution of the Christians in the Roman Empire. In 303, certain emperors issued an edict attacking the Christians, saying to destroy all churches, no Christian meetings, and all bibles and copies of scripture are to be burnt in public.

Battle of the Milvian Bridge

312

This a battle took place between Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine won the battle and became the sole ruler of the Roman empire. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber river during the battle, and his body was later recovered and decapitated, and his head was paraded through the streets of Rome the day following the battle.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was the agreement to treat Christians equally in the Roman Empire. It gave Christians legal status, but did not make Christianity the main religion of the Roman Empire, which happened at a later date.

Theodosius

347

In his early days as emperor, he sought out to rebuild the army, as he felt it needed more discipline. He was the last emperor to rule both western and eastern Rome, and he did so from 379 to 395 CE, also known as Theodosius the Great.