Christianity's Impact on Medieval Europe

Jesus is crucified

30

Jesus' crucifixion is debated as being between 30 and 33 C.E. He was crucified by Pontius Pilate and the Romans. This was the continuation and beginning of the belief in Jesus. By some accounts, Jesus was notoriously resurrected, strengthening the belief in him and his

Apostolic Age Begins

30

Lasting from the years 30 C.E. to 100 C.E., the Apostolic Age was the period of the Twelve Apostles. The Apostles of Christ, even after his death, continued to spread Christianity and the Christian faith.

Conversion of Paul of Tarsus

33

In around 33 C.E., Paul of Tarsus, an apostle though not one of the famous Twelve Apostles, converted to Christianity. He had a vision of Christ, and swiftly converted to Christianity. He argued with others about the necessary practices of Christianity and its intertwining with Judaism. He told his story and encouraged others to convert as well.

The Anti-Necene Age Begins

100

Lasting from the years 100 to 325, this was the early period of the growth of Christianity. Though it wasn't quite organized or unified, Christianity began gaining popularity, and some rejected previous religions and instead converted to Christianity.

The Patristic Period Begins

100

Lasting from the years 100 to 451, the Patristic Period refers to the early times of the Christian Church. At this time, early Christian writers were assisting in the development and spread of Christianity. The Christian Church attempts to properly establish the practices, beliefs, and faith under Christianity.

Conversion of Emperor Constantine

312

Shortly before the Edict of Milan, Emperor Constantine became the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. He led the way and encouraged both his citizens and future rulers to do the same.

Edict of Milan

313

In 313 C.E., Roman Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, agreeing to treat Christians better. This restricted the penalties for being a Christian, lessening any fear Romans may have had; letting more Romans comfortably convert to Christianity.

Eusebius of Caesarea writes "Ecclesiastical History"

324

Eusebius of Caesarea is known as the "Father of Church History" because he wrote the first surviving document describing the chronological history of Christianity and the Christian Church. Though it probably wouldn't have been widely available to the average person, this allowed more people to learn of the history of Christianity and understand the impact of Jesus and his teachings.

The Nicaea Council

325

The council of Nicaea was a meeting of the people of the Christian Church. It aimed to establish the beliefs of and unify the Christian Church. They attempted to defend Christianity against heretic views at the time, specifically Arianism.

Christianity is decreed the official religion of the Roman Empire

380

In 380 C.E., 67 years after being legalized by Emperor Constantine, Emperor Theodosius declared Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. This greatly demonstrates the influence of Christianity; showing that the large nation at the time, the Roman Empire, began accepting and properly establishing Christianity as a popular, influential religion.

Jerome begins translating the Bible into Latin

382

In 382 C.E., Saint Jerome begins translating the Bible into Latin. This spread the teachings of the Bible to more people as a larger part of the population was able to read the Bible. Latin was a common language at the time in the Roman Empire, allowing for more people to read and comprehend the Bible.

Saint Symeon Stylites leaves his monastery

423

St. Symeon Stylites is an incredible example of the monostatic lifestyle. More and more people adopted this lifestyle during this time, and people like Saint Symeon Stylites encouraged this through their practices and life. In 423, he left his monastery, giving advice to others atop pillars he prayed on.

The Western Roman Empire Collapses

476

After the Western Roman Empire collapses, the Eastern Roman Empire emerges and flourishes as a largely Christian nation that still accepts other religions.

Baptizing of King Clovis I

508

In 508 C.E., Frankish King Clovis I is baptized. This likely encouraged others to follow him and convert.

Gregory the Great becomes the Pope

590

In 590 C.E., Pope Gregory I becomes the Pope. He would go on to spread Christianity throughout Western and Central Europe.