Rise of Christianity in Roman Empire

Roman rule in Israel

64 BCE

Roman rule in Israel began in 64 B, when Rome had control over most of the known world. The citizens of Israel were allowed to practice their religions freely, and were treated as citizens of Rome. Their location was strategic and they payed taxes to Rome.

Jesus of Nazareth

1 BCE

Jesus is a central Figure in many modern religions, mainly Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus

5

Paul of Tarsus, also know as Saint Paul, was a Christian believer who saw Christianity as a universal religion. He argued that Jewish law was worthless, and didn't adopt circumcision or eating laws. He eventually decided Christian worship was off limits to certain groups in Rome. he also argued for more rights for women, including having larger voices in the community.

The Great fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome was a fire that destroyed 65% of Rome over the course of 6 days. Local thugs prevented people from putting out the fire, but the Christian community within Rome remained untouched, making them easy scapegoats. The Christians were blamed by Emperor Nero, who many historians believe set the fire so that he could rebuild Rome to his liking.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was one of the most famous roman Martyrs for Christianity. According to the legend, She was a new mother who was convicted to death due to her Christian beliefs. Perpetua and her Slave were sent to the amphitheater to be eaten by lions. when this didn't work, she was to be executed by sword. She guided the executioner's hand to her throat, showing no fear for death.

The Great Persecution

303

The great persecution was Diocletian's attempt at wiping out Christians by condemning them all to death. He was able to do this because he had been blaming the Christians for all of Rome's problems, so the people had his back. Christians were often executed in the amphitheater in fights with wild beasts and by sword. Diocletian failed in achieving his goal because the Christians showed so little fear of death that more people began joining the religion.

Constantine The Great

306

Constantine the Great ruled Rome from 306 to 337 AD. He was a military leader who claimed to have seen a glowing cross in the sky before he entered the battle of Milvian Bridge. Later that night he saw Christ in a dream, which changed his view on Christianity. He decorated his soldier's shields with the Letters XP, which were the first two letters of Christ's name. He then allowed anyone to worship whatever they wanted, and allowed the Christians tax exemptions.

Battle of Milivian Bridge

312

This battle was fought in and won by Constantine the Great. Before he went to battle, he saw a glowing cross in the sky, and later saw Christ in a dream. This battle was fought in God's name, and the victory further cemented Constantine's newfound Christian ideals.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a peace treaty issued by Constantine which made Christianity legal, allowed people to worship whatever they wanted, and gave Christian's special rights. The leader of Milan withdrew from the deal, so Constantine defeated him in battle, and the edict remained.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Theodosius was a co-emperor who formed an alliance with the Visigoths. He was a devout Christian who helped to split orthodox and unorthodox Christians, and placed his power under the church. He raised taxes brutally in order to pay for military expenses. he was the first secular leader who submitted himself to the church.