Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

33

Jesus would go around sending a message. His message was that there was a kingdom greater than Rome, that God would provide and that the poorest members of society would find relief and hope. He traveled to Jerusalem and he was furious. The pilgrims would travel there and trade animals for sacrifice for money. He didn't believe in this trade so he wrecked the trading center and drew them all out. This outburst enraged many people. Jesus was then arrested and crucified.

Great Fire of Rome

64

There is a myth that Nero the Rome emperor at the time started the fire or had something to do with it to start over and give his ideas and make his empire "new".Other historians say Nero was playing the fiddle when the fire happened. The fire started in the Circus Maximus. The fire was extinguished 6 days later. Most of the shops in the Circus Maximus were burned.

Paul of Tarsus

66

Paul of Tarsus was one of the leaders of the first generation of Christians, often considered to be the most important person after Jesus in the history of Christianity. In his own day, although he was a major figure within the very small Christian movement, he also had many enemies and detractors, and his contemporaries probably did not accord him as much respect as they gave Peter and James.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

66

Roman rule was the first Jewish-Roman war. The revolt was put down by the future Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus.In the Siege of Jerusalem the Romans destroyed much of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a Christian martyr who wrote The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity, a journal recounting her trial and imprisonment that was continued by a contemporary who described Perpetua’s death in the arena. Her text is one of the rare surviving texts from the ancient world.

Great Persecution

303

The great persecution was the last, but most horrifying persecution of the Christians. Emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius made a series of events resending the Christians rights and making them comply with the traditional religious practices. If the Christians refused to belive in the roman Gods they would be persecuted.

Constantine the Great

312

Constantine the Great was a roman emperor. During a civil war in Rome Constantine Defended his position against the different Roman factions. During the battle he ordered his men to ave a christian symbol on their shields. After the war he was made emperor. When he was emperor he legalized Christianity. He also made it o Christians could have freedom of worship throughout the empire.

Battle of Milvian bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge took place between Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge. The bridge was an important route over the Tiber. Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Maxentus drowned in the Tiber and was later found and decapitated. The battle marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius. They signed this letter to stop the persecution of Christians and let them be free.

Emperor Theodosius

325

Theodosius was a Roman Emperor. He was the last emperor to rule he western and eastern part of Rome. During his first little time as an Emperor he accepted Christianity. He proclaimed himself a Christian. he called a council at Constantinople to put an end to the Arian heresy.