Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Beginning of the Roman Rule in Israel

64 BCE

In 64 BC, the Roman general Pompey created a Roman Province in Syria, leading to the conquer of Jerusalem in 63 BC. Jesus of Nazareth was born in 4 BC, killed by crucifixion. Many years later, Christianity was established as the state religion in a very Jewish community.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth is a religious figure in the Christian religion. Jesus was born into a Jewish society, and was hated upon because of his belief in God. He was killed in 30/33 AD by crucifixion and continues to be used in the religion of Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus

5

Paul of Tarsus was the second important founder of Christianity. Though he never met Jesus of Nazareth, Paul of Tarsus taught the gospel of Christ to the first century civilization. Throughout his time, Paul founded multiple churches in Asia Minor, as well as Europe. He is credited to being one of the many people to spread the religion of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

In 64 AD, the emperor, Nero, set fire to Rome. In doing so, he hoped to rebuild Rome’s empire to his liking. After the fire burned for six days, Nero was blamed and needed a scapegoat. As the Christians’ belief was frowned upon, Nero blamed them for the destruction of the empire. By doing so, the Roman civilization punished people who openly followed Christianity, leading Christianity to be practiced in the dark.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a twenty-two year old married woman was killed alongside her slave, Felicity after being imprisoned. The death took place at Carthage, in the Roman Province located in Africa. Before Perpetua’s death, she wrote in a prison diary, that was then turned into one of the oldest and most notable Christian texts at the time.

The Great Persecution

303

The Great Persecution of 303 CE began under the rule of Emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius (tetrarchy). The act of hatred was against people who follow monotheistic religions, specifically Christians. Christian churches, scriptures, and treasures were destroyed in an attempt to destroy the religion. Christians were tortured and killed for the entertainment of the Romans as well. The act of animosity continued for days on end.

Constantine the Great

306

Under the rule of Constantine (ruled from 306-377), the religion of Christianity expanded throughout the empire. Constantine the Great legalized the right to worship any religion one wanted to by establishing the Edict of Milan in 313. After legalizing the freedom of religion, Constantine also created Constantinople, a new capital city built in the eastern part of the empire. The capital was full of churches and was dedicated to the Christian religion.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge took place in 313, between Constantine the First and Maxentius. Milvian Bridge is part of route over the Tiber River. Constantine believed his victory was based upon fate. The night before the battle, the emperor believed he received a sign from God, and painted the letters “XP” (the two letters of Christ’s name in Greek) onto his soldier’s swords. This battle ended Tetrarchy and allowed Constantine to take full rule over Rome.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a political document legalizing the right to follow any religion in the empire of Rome. The letter was signed by Constantine and Licinius, the act of doing so was prompted by the victory of the Milvian Bridge, as Constantine believed the reason was fate.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Emperor Theodosius was born in the city of Constantinople, and ruled for 16 years. Theodosius was the last emperor of Rome to rule of both eastern and western areas. In his time, he established Christianity as the official state religion.