The Roman Empire By pgoodman47 27 The Roman Empire begins as Caesar Augustus becomes the first Roman Emperor 64 The Great Fire of Rome happens, indicating the start of the persecution of the Christians 73 The revolt led by Spartacus 306 Constantine becomes Emperor and Rome becomes a Christian Empire 380 Theodosius declares Christianity to be the sole religion of Roman Empire 395 The Roman Empire splits into Western Rome and the Byzantine Empire 410 Invasions into Rome begin by Germanic and Barbarian Tribes. 476 The Western Roman Empire ends, starting the fall of Ancient Rome. 1453 The Byzantine Empire ends, leading to the end of the Roman Empire