Rise of Christianity in Rome

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

When he returned home, Paul began to hear about a prophet named Jesus who claimed to be the Messiah. He began to persecute Christians. He demanded that they give up their faith. More and more people became followers of Christ no matter what he did. Jesus’ disciples came to visit him+ Paul was baptized. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and regained his sight. He began to teach about Jesus. Telling people to believe in him.

Jesus of Nazareth

1 BCE

When he was thirty Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River he traveled around Judea and preached. He took his message to the homes and synagogues of some of his country’s poorest people. His message suggested that there was place greater than Rome, and that God would provide and that the poor people of society would find bliss and relaxation. It was a new message one that intrigued his audiences. his disciples claimed that Jesus was the son of God and people found that offending.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome was a devastating event. Happened in 64 AD for 6 days and burned over 65% of the city. Some believed Nero started the fire in order to rebuild the city and go bypass the senates approval so he could build the city in his vision. Nero blamed the Christians for the fire. The Christians lived in an area untouched by the fire. As a result it became the first persecution of the Christians. Some believed that Christians started the fire in order to fulfill a prophecy.

Perpetua

204

Perpetua and four companions were arrested. In clear violation of the emperor’s edict. Theyrefused to renounce their faith+were sentenced to death in the arena. She began her diary with a record of her imprisonment and continued it with descriptions of her trial. On the evening of her execution, Perpetua gave her diary to another Christian, they continued the story of the martyrdom of Perpetua and her fellow Christians. Her diary was so influential that it was praised by orthodox Christians.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Diocletian wanted Rome to go back to the worship of the roman gods.He purged all Christians from the military + in 303 overturned the laws from 260. Jews were excused from worshiping + sacrificing to the old gods. People who didn't worship them could be imprisoned or killed .On February 23 the elimination of Christianity had started. Churches were destroyed. They at one point had to make sacrifices public if not they were killed. Estimated 17,000 people killed. It ended in 311+ and was a fail.

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine was the ruler from 306-337AD. He was the 1st Roman emperor to implement Christianity in Rome. Provided a pathway for Christianity to expand. In 305 his dad died + he was declared emperor by his troops. In 312 he fought Italy against Maxentius. Battle fought at Milvian Bridge on the Tiber River. His victory, under the banner of Christianity, made him ruler of Western Rome. His vision of Christianity became a reality + it became legal to worship in all of Rome.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The battle fought at Milvian Bridge outside Rome was a significant moment in a civil war and Christianity established as the empire’s official religion. Constantine lead his troops to victory over his enemy Maxentius. Constantine's troops painted the cross on their shields and marched into battle as Christians soldiers. The victory lead to Christianity being the dominate and official religion of Rome.

Edict of Milan

313

Edict of Milan a proclamation that permanently established a toleration for Christianity within the Roman Empire. It was the result of a political agreement between the Roman emperors Constantine I and Licinius in February 313. It gave all people the freedom to worship whatever god they wanted. It solidified Christians of legal rights and returned Christians of confiscated property.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

313

Judea came under direct Roman administration around 63BC. Growing anger against increased Roman suppression of Jewish life resulted in violence which es into a full-scale revolt in 66 CE. The total destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple was really bad for the Jewish people. The Jews and Judaism survived the encounter with Rome. The small remaining Jewish community slowly recovered, . Institutional and communal life was renewed

Emperor Theodosius

392

Emperor Theodosius used his power to enforce orthodox Christianity. After the death of Gratian in 383 and the death of Valentinian ll in May 392 Theodosius became the sole ruler. In January 393 the eastern emperor elevated his son to the position to the western part of Rome. As a result a civil war broke out. It would determine both political and religious state of Rome.in September 394 AD Theodosius was victorious and became the sole ruler again, He died a year later in 395 AD.