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30
Jesus Christ and the beginnings of Christianity
The foundations of Christianity are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Initially spreading his message as a limited sect of Judaism, in which he claimed to be the son of God and his embodiment in the physical world. His ideas were labeled subversive by Roman authorities, and he was crucified, only to supposedly rise from the dead and then ascend into heaven. -
54
Roman Persecution of Christians
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Period: 54 to 305
Roman Persecution of Christians
Early on in its existence, Christianity was heavily opposed by the Roman Empire and Christians were regularly persecuted, penalized, and even executed, particularly under emperors like Nero, Domitian (who made the practice of Christianity illegal in the empire), and Diocletian. -
67
Paul the Apostle
Paul was an essential figure in the early dissemination of Christianity. He established several churches in Asia Minor and Europe and is credited with writing 14 of the 27 books in the bible’s new testament, the foundational text of Christianity. -
313
Constantine
Constantine reigned as emperor of Rome from 306 to 337 CE. He was noted for his religious tolerance and promotion of the Christian faith. He converted to Christianity later in life and was essential in the passing of the Edict of Milan which established tolerance for the practice of Christianity within the empire. -
800
Charlemagne the Holy Roman Emperor
Initially King of Franks and then King of Lombards, Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope in 800 CE. This served to unify far reaching parts if Europe under the Christian faith for the first time since the dissolution of the western Roman Empire centuries prior. -
1054
The Split of the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church
Also known as The Great Schism, this split was set in motion with the crowning of Charlemagne. An affront to the Byzantine Empire, which had remained the last stronghold for the Holy Roman Empire since the dissolution of the western empire, relations between the east and west deteriorated until a formal split occurred in 1054 CE, resulting in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. -
1500
European Colonialism and the Spread of Christianity
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Period: 1500 to
European Colonialism and the Spread of Christianity
As European Christian nations progressed technologically, they began to branch outward to new parts of the world. Settling and assimilating areas of Africa, the Americas, and other continents, they fervently spread Christianity to new peoples for centuries. -
1517
Martin Luther
A key figure in the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther rejected some prominent features of the Catholic church, including the practice of presenting members with indulgences. In 1517, he posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of All Saint’s Church in Wittenberg, an act many consider the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. -
1517
The Protestant Reformation
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Period: 1517 to
The Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a schism from the teachings and practices of the Catholic church. It was largely instigated by Martin Luther and continued by figures like John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli and lasted until the Peace of Westphalia and the signaling of the end of the Thirty Years’ War in 1648. -
Christianity Today
Today, Christianity is the largest world religion. It encompasses 2.4 billion followers and comprises the majority of the population in 158 countries.
