Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

63 BCE

Romans adopted Christianity from the Jewish religion. Some Jews migrated to Rome and Jewish communities thrived, making people wonder if they should become a Jew. Then Christianity came and Rome took to it.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

He was a Jewish preacher and a religious leader. Christians believe that he is the awaited Messiah prophesied in the old testament. He is the leader who started Christianity, who helped everyone, because people had different interpretations of the laws that Moses had written down, so he helped give the correct interpretation. He also helped people by healing.

Paul of Tarsus

62

Paul was dedicated to persecuting the early disciples of Jesus and was traveling to Jerusalem when Jesus appeared to him in a great light. Paul fell blind for three days before his sight returned, then he preached that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. He died in 62 AD.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The great fire of Rome destroyed 60% - 70% of Rome. It was caused by the emperor, Nero. It lasted 6 days long. The 30% of Rome that wasn't destroyed were the Christians.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was put to death with others in 203 AD. She prolaimed herself a Christian and was 22 when she died. She had an infant she was nursing and was with Felicity, a slave imprisoned with her who was pregnant.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Diocletian and Galerius started the great persecution because they were trying to reunite Rome under the same religion. They ended the rights of Christians and said they had to practice the traditional religion. Christians were killed by being thrown in with animals and in several other ways. Several thousand Christians were killed including some Christian leaders.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This battle marked the Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Constantine and his soldiers had a vision before the battle to paint the cross and the first to letters of the Christ's name in Greek. They then won the battle.

Constantine the Great

313

Constantine had a vision the night before a battle of the cross, so he had all of his soldiers paint the cross on there shields. He won the battle and believed in Christianity. He then passed the Edict of Milan saying that any religion is tolerated.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by Constantine and Licinius saying that all religion are tolerated. This is a big thing because Christians could now celebrate there religions and not have to keep it in hiding. They could have churches and celebrate and preach to any and everyone. Constantine also showed favor towards the Christians and there churches.

Emperor Theodosius

380

Theodosius campaigned against Goths in his early years of being an emperor. He won in the Gothic War. He also fought and won in 2 civil wars. He issued decrees that made Nicene Christianity the official state church of the Roman Empire.