Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

64 BCE

While the Roman Empire did not exist until later, Roman influence began in Israel because two brothers from the Hasmonean dynasty, which took over after the Greeks. They called upon Rome to help settle the dispute, and Rome took it as a invitation into the pot in charge. The formed a irrevocable alliance and no one could rebel against the mighty Romans. When Octavian took over in 37 BC he named Herod, King of the Jews. Under Romans, Jews were happy because they were free to practice religion.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

The Christian faith had existed for a long time, but the birth of Christ jump started the spreading of the Christian faith. He was seen as 'Son of God' and gained notoriety even as a young child. He spread the message of forgiveness and love through his teachings. He also had 12 disciples that helped him spread the faith of Christianity. He began known as the Savior of Christianity when he was died on the cross. He was crucified by Pontius Pilate because he was a threat to the Roman Empire.

Paul of Tarsus

33

Before his time as a Christian, Paul was dedicated to persecuting Christians. The story goes he was traveling when Christ appeared to him a great light, blinding him for 3 days. When his vision returned, he converted to Christianity and began to spread Christianity. It is crazy that a man who is dedicated to persecuting Christians converts over a span of a few days and begin to spread that faith. This inspired more people to start believing and spread the Christian faith.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome burned for 6 days mostly because people stopped others from putting it out. 65% of Rome was destroyed, and many blamed Nero, the power-hungry emperor, who wanted to rebuild a the city but was turned down by the Senate. People thought Nero started the fire as a way to bypass the Senate. A Christian area remained unharmed by the fire, so Nero scapegoated the Christians. This began the first official persecution of the Christians and both Peter and Paul were martyred.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua, a young mother with an infant, was arrested and executed as a martyr. She a few others were preparing for their baptism when arrested by Roman officials and put in jail. Perpetua had a vision that she was going to die, and decided to do it in the name of her faith. She was put in an arena for a show, and she eventually took her own life after being stabbed by a gladiator. Her death showed the cruelty in the Roman persecution of Christians and people began to reconsider their views.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

While the persecution of Christians had been happening for a long time, the Great Persecution was the worst. The Emperor Diocletian blamed the Christians for all problems in Roman society like economic, political, etc. He issued the first edict the day after a festival for a god, Terminus, to symbolize the termination of Christianity. Churches, scriptures and assemblies were banned. Diocletian's goal was to re-unify Rome by installing the beliefs of the old gods again.

Constantine the Great

312

Constantine was the imperial support needed to kick off Christianity. He was a pagan Methodist, but when he was marching with his army, they saw a cross of light in the sky with the words 'In hoc signo vinces' or 'In this sign conquer'. Later that night Constantine had a dream were Christ told his to use the sign of the cross against his enemies. He had all his soldiers put the sign of the cross on their shields as they prepared for the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

Because of Constantine's vision and dreams his army fought with the sign of the cross of labarums on shields. After a well fought victory, Constantine attributed the victory to the Christian faith. Constantine was now a firm believer in Christianity and began to spread the faith because of his power and influence. He built the city of Constantinople, which stood as capitol after western Rome had fallen, and filled it with churches and dedicating it to the Christian faith and God

Edict of Milan

313

After Constantine became emperor of the West and he won at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge he passed the Edict of Milan. This edict was what ended the persecution of Christians. It gave everyone the freedom of religion, but was mostly focused on protecting the Christians. Christians could now practice their religion without fear and the Christian faith spread much more quickly than before especially now with the emperor's backing.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Emperor Theodosius ruled from 379- 395 and he was the last Roman emperor. During his time as emperor, he made Christianity the official state church of the Roman Empire. Other religions were still allowed to practice, but this final event really increased the spread of Christianity. The Romans had conquered almost all of the known world so Christianity had become the most followed religion in the world by this time.