Rise of Christianity

Rome Founded

753 BCE

Twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded Rome. They were raised by a she-wolf after being found in a river. She raised them until a farmer found them and took them in with his wife, making them more 'civilized'. They wanted to create their own country after finding out about their uncle who had them put in the river so they wouldn't be able to rule it when they grew up. They made Rome together, but couldn't agree on a name, a fight leading to Remus' death by Romulus' hands.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Also known as Jesus Christ and Jesus of Galilee. Viewed by Christians as the incarnation of God. He was born in Bethlehem, in 4 BCE. He died in Jerusalem in 30 CE. His rise from death made his disciples view him as a new hope.

Paul of Tarsus

3 BCE

Also known as Paul the Apostle, Saint Paul, and by the Jewish Saul of Tarsus. He saw resurrected Jesus on the Duscamus Road. He was a self-proclaimed Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin and a Pharisee. He was born in Tarsus of Cilicia. Paul of Tarsus was known as the most ardent messenger.

Roman Rule of Israel (Begins)

63

The first Roman-Jewish war breaks out. It starts in 63 CE. Romans pummel the Jewish homeland's temples, effecting the artifacts that were in them. That includes the Menorah. It ened in 70 AD, lasting for 7 years.

The Great Fire

64

The fire started in the Circus Maximus stadium, spreading out. The fire lasted for 6 days until it was finally put out. 10 out of 14 roman districts ended up being burned down. The emperor Nero was blamed for the fire, him being the one to build and use the stadium the most. He ended up using the fire to his advantage and as a political move, placing the blame on Christians.

Constantine the Great

272

Was born named Flavius Valerius Constantinus, dying at age 65, in the year 337 CE. He ruled Rome for 31 years. Constantine was the emperor to fight in the battle of Milvian Bridge and was the one to make the Edict of Milan, banishing the persecution of Christians.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Most severe persecution of Christians to that date. The four emperors of the time demanded that Christians abide to traditional religious practices by enforcing edicts and laws. The four emperors were Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius. It's said that 3000-3500 Christians were killed. The persecution lasted about 2 years.

Perpetua

303

Died as a martyr in 303 CE. She died along with Felicity. Felicity was pregnant at the time of her death, a slave imprisoned. They both died in a Roman province in Africa. Now Perpetua is a saint. She wrote a journal called The Passion of Saints Perpetua of her trials.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

Named after an important route taken over the Tiber River. The battle was between Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine and his soldiers claimed to have a message from the Christian God, telling them to follow them to win. They painted a symbol for Jesus on all of their soldier's shields. When they won the battle, they placed the win upon Jesus' name and the religion of Christianity.

Edict of Milan

313

It happened after the win for the Romans during the Battle of Milivian Bridge. The edict was signed by the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius. It stopped the persecution of Christians, making it illegal. This would be today's version of freedom of religion. It was the true beginning of Christian's large following.

Emperor Theodosius

379

He was an emperor from 379 to 395 CE. He was known as Theodosius the Great and Theodosius the First also. He was the last to rule over both sides of Roman land, east and west. He fought against Goths and others during his rule. He died of a great disease.