Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Emperor Theodosius

347 BCE

Theodosius, also known as Theodosius the Great, was the last Roman emperor to rule a united Roman Empire. He established Christianity as the state religion and successfully defended it against paganism and Arianism. Theodosius was named emperor of the East in January 379.

Edict of Milan

313 BCE

The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by the Roman emperors, Constantine and Licinius, that claimed religious toleration in the Roman Empire. The letter was issued after the emperor Diocletian and it stopped unfairness towards Christians.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312 BCE

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was between the Roman Emperors Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine won the battle. The battle marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Later, Constantine had a vision sent by God that was interpreted as a promise of victory in the sign of the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek, which was painted on the soldier's shields.

The Great Persecution

303 BCE

The Great Persecution happened over the time of two centuries. The Great Persecution was the persecution of the Christians. Christians were blamed for believing in one god and not wanting an emperor as a leader. This took place by the decree of emperor Decius.

Constantine the Great

272 BCE

Before a major battle between Constantine and Maxentius in the Battle of Milvain Bridge Constantine sees a sign of the cross in the sky and the sign says "In Hoc Signo Vinces" which means "In this sign, you will conquer". Later that night, he has a dream telling him to put XP on their shields because it will help them win the battle. They do end up winning and Constantine then converted to Christianity.

Perpetua

203 BCE

Perpetua was a noblewoman said to be 22 years old at the time of her death, she also had an infant. Felicity, a slave who was imprisoned with Perpetua was pregnant and were both put to death at Carthage in the Roman province of Africa.

The Great Fire of Rome

64 BCE

The Great Fire of Rome caused widespread devastation. Nero was blamed for starting the fire so he could bypass the Senate and rebuild Rome to his liking. There was one spot that didn't get burned, a group where Christian people were. Nero blames the Christians, saying they started the fire which is why their one spot did not burn. In the end, 65-70% of Rome was burned down.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

64 BCE

The Roman Rule of Israel was the last attempt to restore the glory of the Hasmonean dynasty made by Mattathias Antigonus, whose death and defeat brought Hasmonean rule to an end. The land became a province for the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity and most Christians believe he is the incarnation of God.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Paul of Tarsus was an apostle that taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He was one of the leaders of the first generation of Christians. He was considered to be the most important person, after Jesus, in the history of Christianity.