Christianity in Rome

Jesus of Nazareth

4

Jesus was born in Nazareth around 4 BC. Jesus is the main Christian figure, a preacher, he helped create Christianity, and helped raise followers.He was arrested by Jewish authorities who then gave him to the Roman government who crucified him.

Paul of Tarsus

4

Known as Paul the Apostle, Saint Paul, and Saul of Tarsus, born in 4 BCE. He helped teach Christianity, and is the 2nd most important figure after Jesus. He was both a Rome and Jewish citizen, and he used that to his advantage to sway both people. His story is that he was trying to persecute followers of Jesus when Jesus appeared surrounded by bright light. The light blinded him for 3 days but then was restored and he started preaching about Christianity, and how Jesus is the son of God.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

When Nero was emperor, supposedly he started the fire so that he could rebuild Rome as he wanted. Because many buildings were made of wood, it was a big fire and went on for 6 days. People also suspect Nero held back the firefighters so that it went on a long time. The people of Rome started pointing fingers at him, he used Christians as a scapegoat. He blamed the Christians and used the facts that they were monotheistic to turn people against them, and would feed them to the beasts.

Roman rule of Israel

64

Rome and Jewish culture began to overlap centuries before the Christian era, Jewish people thrived in Rome and was much of the population. They ruled Judaism the legal religion, but when Christianity started gaining popularity, problems occurred. The Edict of Milan was created and the legal religion of Rome was now Christianity.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua is a woman who's story is really important. She was 22, nursing a baby, was put to death for being a Christian. She and her slave that was martyred with Perpetua was also killed. There is a diary about her story as a young mother and a Christian.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Emperor Diocletian was in power at this time. He and several other figures of power made Edicts restricting Christians freedom, and rights. the Christian wouldn't go to sacrifices for the Roman gods because they only believed in 1 god. Diocletian would throw Christians to the beasts, Gladiator fights, and burn them for entertainment. This could've also positively affected the Christians because the Christians showed a lot of kindness and bravery when put in the spotlight of their persecution.

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine the Great came into power in 306, he was the first Christian Emperor in Rome and is a major key to Christians success. He was about to have the biggest battle of his career when he and his army saw the cross in the sky. That night he had a dream where God himself told him to put the letters XP on his men's shields. X & P were the first letters of Christ's name. He won the battle by a lot. He started supporting Christians, making churches and giving advantages others didn't have.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

Took place at Milvian Bridge, was a battle between two Emperors, Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine saw the cross, and had a dream with Christ telling him what to do in the battle the day before the battle. Constantine won and continued on, a Christian who started influencing others, Maxentius died in the battle.

Edict of Milan

313

Was a letter made and signed by Roman Emperors, Lucinius and Constantine declaring equal rights among Christians as well as all religions. Stating that everyone has a right to their own religion.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Theodosius became an Emperor in 379, he accepted Baptism, and declared himself a Christian. He made Christianity the religion for all, and when the people of Thessalonica revolted because a popular charioteer was imprisoned for homosexuality, he held a Chariot race. 7,000 people came, he locked the gates and set soldiers on them. 7,000 were killed. Theodosius had to publicly plead mercy from god to have power again. It was the first time a ruler had submitted to a church.