Ancient jesus christus mosaic

Early Christianity

By Ruben817
  • Period: 4 BCE to 30

    Jesus

    Jesus was born as a Jew and his message was directed to other Jews. While we know he lived, not much was written about him while he was alive. New Testament writings are the only source for information about his life. These writings were written decades after his death. Many scholars believe Jesus was part of the Essene sect that was around at that time. He began his ministry at the age of 30 and taught for three years before being crucified. He was known for performing miracles and healing.
  • 30

    St. Peter

    St. Peter
    Leader of Jesus Disciples therefore leader of the church after his death.
  • Period: 46 to 67

    Saint Paul

    Previously known as Saul (5-46CE) before becoming a follower of Jesus's teachings. Previously Saul was known for persecuting followers of Jesus and many were skeptical of him at first. Paul later became a great leader who wrote letters on the conduct of the church and spread the gospel to all (gentiles). He is responsible for calling Jesus the "Christ" and because of him people began to see Jesus as God or the son of God. The church was able to split from Judaism because of these views.
  • 64

    Sporatic Persecution of Christians

    Sporatic Persecution of Christians
    Began under rule of Nero. Loss of life was small in scale. Christians were blamed for everything that went wrong in Rome. Denying Christianity set you free from persecution.
  • Period: 66 to 70

    Jewish Rebellion

    Led by extreme Jewish group called the Zealots. This rebellion ended with the Romans destruction of a Temple.
  • 110

    Gospel of St John

    Gospel of St John
    Written around 80 years after Jesus death. Before then these were stories told by word of mouth.
  • Period: 132 to 135

    Expulsion of Jews from Jerusalem

    Caused by rebellion led by Zealots in which Jerusalem was totally destroyed. Jews would not return till 1948 when Israel was established.
  • Period: 284 to 305

    Diocletian devides Empire

    Believed Rome was complex and could not be ruled from one place and by one centralized bureaucracy. Appointed Maximian as co-emperor in charge of the western half of the empire.
  • Period: 285 to 305

    Heavy Persecution

    Under the rule of Diocletian, Christianity suffered many brutal deaths. This did not hurt Christianity but helped strengthen followers faith.
  • 313

    Edict of Milan

    Edict of Milan
    Issued by the ruler Constantine and granted legal toleration of Christianity. This allowed Christianity to grow without fear of persecution.
  • 325

    Council of Nicaea convened

    Council of Nicaea convened
    Arranged by the Constantine (ruler of Rome) in order to establish common belief system between all the churches. This can be seen as Christianity's declaration of faith. Many people will die for contradicting these views.
  • Period: 329 to 379

    St. Basil

    Responsible for developing monastery rules such as no property and manual labor.
  • Period: 340 to 420

    Saint Jerome

    Known for translating the bible into Latin. Translation known as "The Vulgate".
  • Period: 340 to 397

    Saint Ambrose

    Bishop of Milan who urged clerics to avoid wealth and become more humble. Also believed that Emperors should not judge Bishops saying " The Emperor is within the church, not above it".
  • Period: 354 to 430

    Saint Augustine

    Bishop of Hippo who wrote "The City of God" and an autobiography called "Confessions". He struggled with concept of good and evil. Believed that Christ death did not guarantee that everyone will go to heaven. Believed that Pagan philosophy contained some truth and that this truth should be adopted into Christianity.
  • Period: 360 to 363

    Julian "the apostate"

    Constantine's nephew, and member of his court, who abandoned Christianity and attempted to revive traditional Roman piety. This attempt died with him in battle with the Persians.
  • 392

    Christianity becomes official religion of Empire / Pagan religion outlawed

    Christianity becomes official religion of Empire / Pagan religion outlawed
    Declared by Theodosius which led to the destruction of Greek and Roman Temples. This stopped religious persecution for Christians but turned the tables to persecution of Jews, Pagans, and others who differed from their belief system. Many Pagan writings were destroyed.
  • 410

    Visogoths sack Rome

    Visogoths sack Rome
    Group of non Christians who blamed Christians for not following ancient Gods. For this reason Gods had abandoned Rome.
  • 476

    Odovacer deposes Romulus Augustulus

    Odovacer deposes Romulus Augustulus
    Romulus became the last western Rome emperor. This made Constantinople not only the new capital of Rome but "New Rome"
  • Period: 480 to 543

    St. Benedict

    Believed monks must study Bible in order to fully participate in a life of worship.