Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman rule of Israel

55 BCE

Judea was ruled by a Roman procurator who managed its political, military, and financial affairs. Its governmental structure was organized by Gabinius, the Roman governor of Syria from 57 to 55 B.C.E., who divided the country into five synhedroi, or administrative dis­tricts.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus Christ was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity. He went throughout the world and taught teachings of Christianity and Christ.

Paul of Tarsus

5

Famously converted on the road to Damascus, Paul traveled thousands of miles around Mediterranean spreading the word of Jesus. Paul came up with the doctrine that would turn Christianity from a small sect of Judaism into a worldwide faith that was open to all.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome was a great fire started in July. It caused widespread devastation in the city, before being brought under control after six days. Emperor Nero was blamed with both starting and containing the fire. Yet, Nero blamed the fire on the Christian community in the city instead of him. This ignited the empire's first persecution of Christians.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a Christian noblewoman who was an important martyr of Christianity. Perpetua was arrested for being Christian but stayed true to Christianity.

The Great Persecution

303

The great was a severe persecution that killed thousands of Christians throughout Rome. It took place in 303 and took place in the coliseum were many Romans watched and cheered.

Battle of Milvian

312

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine and Maxentius on 28 October 312. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge and is an important event for the adoption of Christianity. This battle marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity.

Constantine the Great

312

Constantine was a great emperor who brought free religion and Christianity to Rome. He started to believe in this religion at the battle of Milvian Bridge after he had a vision and a dream, he had ordered a Christian symbol to be painted on his soldiers' shields. Under this emblem, Constantine was successful and became the Roman emperor. Then signed the Edict of Milan that let anyone believe in any religion, including Christians who where before persecuted and critizized.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a contract signed by the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius, that gave religious toleration in the Roman Empire. The contract was issued in February, 313 AD, shortly after the emperor Diocletian and stopped the unfair treatment of Christians.

Emperor Theodosius I

381

Emperor Theodosius issued the Edict of Milian, which granted Christianity for all. He was known as the emperor who made Christianity "the Roman religion."