Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Emperor Theodosius

380 BCE

Theodosius stabilized Christianity as the main religion for the state of Rome and fought to protect it. In Feb. of 380, a decree was passed saying that all religions had to follow the Trinity.

Battle of the Milvian Bridge

312 BCE

The battle of Milvian Bridge where the Two remaining Roman Emperors Constantine and Maxentius. Many people believe that after Constantine won, it was the start of his conversion to Christianity. Constantine saw a vision before going into battle that told him that if he put the symbol for God on his shield, he would be successful, which he was.

Great Persecussion of 303 BCE

303 BCE

In 303 BCE the 4 ruling emperors of Rome took away the legal rights of Christians and subjected them to sacrifice to the pagan gods or be imprisoned and eventually executed. Thousands of Christians were killed or sacrificed as a result of the Persecution of Christians.

Roman Rule of Israel (Begins)

63 BCE

Jews from Israel migrated to Rome after there was an economic hardship in Israel. Jews soon became possibly 10% of Rome’s population and thrived economically and enjoyed Rome’s privileges. In 63 BC Rome conquered Jerusalem. Julius Ceasar made Judaism a recognized religion.

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus, a Jewish presacher from the first century, who Christians believe is the son of God. Jesus spread the word that there was is a better empire than Rome which God would help provide for even the poorest citizens in Rome. Jesus was arrested amd crucified after enraging other religious leaders by wrecking the moneylenders stalls while driving them out of the temple. After the Crusifiction of Jesus, the Romans started a whole new religion that spread through Rome and the wrold.

Paul of Tarsus

33

Paul of Tarsus taught the gospel of Christ and opened several churches throughout the Roman Empire while using his Jewish status in Rome to spread the word to both Jews and Romans. Paul of Tarsus was the writer of the First Testament. Based from the First Testiment, Paul, was on the road to collect Christians to be persecuted when he saw the reserected Jesus and from his bright flash of light became blind for three days. After this he started to preach that Jesus was the son of God.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome, which took place over 5 days, was used as a way for Emperor Nero to blame the Christians from burning down Rome. Rome started to burn everywhere except for the Christian part of the empire. Historians believe that Nero was the one who did it and used the Christians as his scapegoat so there was an instilled fear and hate of the Christians.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua, a Christian attending studies in preperation to be baptised, was imprissoned along with 5 other people. In the time she was in prison, her father came and visited her to beg her to claim she was not Christian so she can live. She did not do this and was sent to the arena with other prisoners and had wild animals sent to kill thewere not successful. After surviving against the wild animals, they were all killed by sword to satisfy the impatient crowd.

Constantine The Great

313

Constantine the Great was the first Christian emperor. After having a vision of putting the symbol of Christ on his armies shields while fighting in the war and winning, Constantine had much gratitude for God and helped pass the law that allowed citizens to be free to worship any god they believed in, making being a Christian legal.

Edict of Milan

313

Signed and delivered on February of 313 AD, The Edict of Milan was the document, signed by Constantine and Licinius, the emperors of Rome, that allowed Christianity to be legal and granted religous tolleration throughtout the Roman empire.