Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth is the central of Christianity. Nazareth is the city that the angel Gabriel told Mary she would get the power from the Holy Spirit. Jesus of Nazareth spent the majority of his youth life growing in Nazareth. He was eventually crucified on a cross by order of Roman governor Pontius Pilate after being arrested many times. Jesus of Nazareth died somewhere between 30 and 36 AD.

Paul of Tarsus

5

Paul of Tarsus or often called Saint Paul was an apostle. He helped to spread Christianity to the first century world. He traveled thousands of miles to spread the word of Jesus. He is considered one of the biggest figures during the Apostolic age. Thirteen of the twenty seven books from the New Testament have something to do with Paul. He likely died between 62 and 64 AD.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The fire started in the merchant shops around the Circus Maximus. The fire started where the flammable goods were stored. The fire burned for 6 days before it was under control. The fire had destroyed about 2 thirds of Rome. Emperor Nero blamed the fire on Christians. This was the event that lead up to the Great Persecution of the Christians.

Roman Rule of Israel

66

The first Roman Jewish war started in 66 AD. In 70 AD during the Siege of Jerusalem much of the Jerusalem Temple was destroyed. Israel became a key part of the Roman empire because of its strategic location. Rome ended up letting Israel keep their religion and practices if they paid taxes and didn't revolt. The Roman Rule of Israel is estimated to have ended in 313.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua was a Christian martyr. She was born in 182 and died in 203 AD. Her most known writings are Felicity and Passion of Saints. These got her imprisoned. Her family members were arrested because they refused to tell their religion. They were killed in the arena because of this.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Multiple edicts were passed that required certain Religious practices. It is not clear that the edicts were meant to attack Christianity. Christians were either sacrificed to the Roman gods, imprisoned, or used for entertainment purposes. Christians would even be fed to the lions for entertainment purposes as a punishment for being Christian. The Edict of Milan ended the persecution.

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine was a Roman emperor who ruled from 307 to 337 AD. Constantine strengthened the empire and introduced a new currency. The gold coin was called solidus and was made to help prevent inflation. The coin was used from thousands of years. Constantine the Great turned to Christianity on his deathbed. This made him the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was between the Roman Emperors, and Maxentius. The battle gets it name because it was an important route over the Tiber River, hence getting the name the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Constantine won the battle and that made him only ruler of the Roman Empire. Maxentius' died by drowning in the river. His head was cut off and shown in the streets. It is said that this was the beginning of Constantine turning to Christianity.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was signed by Constantine and Licinius. The Edict of Milan allowed religious toleration in the empire. The Edict of Milan ended the persecution of Christians. Constantine ruled the west part of the empire and Licinius ruled the east. They were together for Constantine's sister and Licinius' wedding, this is when they signed the Edict of Milan.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Theodosius ruled from 379 to 395. He attempted to get the Goth and other barbarians out, but he didn't have the tools to do so. After an indecisive victory the Goth were given some land that remained under their leaders. The Roman's had trouble defending their borders. Theodosius needed to fight two civil wars. He was victorious in both but there were major costs.