Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

33

Jesus of Nazareth was an important religious leader, Jewish preacher, and the main figure in Christianity. Jesus preached to his quickly growing group of followers about the ways on how to best follow God. This caused disruption in the Roman empire and he was arrested by Jewish authorities who turned him to the Roman government. He was then crucified and he followers believe that he rose from the dead and went to the kingdom of God. There are several views on him but he was obviously important.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome was an important event in Christian persecution. The fire was supposedly started by the infamous Roman emperor Nero, who was one of the most disliked emperors of the time. The fire started around the shops in the Circus Maximus, the most famous entertainment center in Rome until the Colosseum. Nero then blamed the Christians for the fire and took it out on them by massacring them in many terrible ways in the first official persecution of the Christians.

Paul of Tarsus

67

Paul of Tarsus or Saint Paul, has some very important roots in the history of Christianity. He was born in present day Turkey and traveled thousands of miles around the Mediterranean to preach about Christ. He used his "advantages" of being a Roman citizen and a Jew to convert people from both parties. He spoke about how Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. He died in his 60's after supposedly being sentenced to death by the Roman emperor Nero. He was decapitated in 67 CE.

Roman Rule of Israel

70

Jewish people of the ancient world became a big part in the Roman population (around 10%). Jews moved to Rome and other parts of the empire after being exiled from their homelands. During the civil war between Caesar and Pompey, the Roman empire expanded to Syria, Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Asia minor. Under Caesar, Judaism was a legal religion. Tensions grew and there were several Jewish - Roman wars that resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem (70 CE) and other places of Jewish significance.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a female Christian martyr who was killed with other Christians in Carthage in 203. She recorded her trial and time in prison in a journal and it one of the rare documents written by a woman in the ancient world. Perpetua and the other christians showed no fear in their executions by wild animals. It is even said that Perpetua helped, "guide the blade of the shaking executioner to her own neck." Her journal is an important piece that inspired many Christians.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The Great Persecution of 303 was carried out by Diocletian and three other emperors. They created different series of laws that took away Christians rights. Some laws ordered that Christians be sacrificed in the name of the Gods that most Romans believed in. The Christians faced years of imprisonment and public execution.

Constantine the Great

312

Although Constantine was born in 272 CE, the battle of Milvian Bridge occurred in 312. Shortly before, it is said that Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky and a message that told him he would conquer in the name of the symbol (cross). He then had a dream and the next day put the first two letters of Christ's name on his soldiers shields. He then won the battle and had a strong respect for the Christian religion and promoted it while holding his position as emperor.

Battle of the Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge was an important part of Roman history that would lead to a big shift in the religious and cultural world. Emperors Constantine and Maxentius were fighting at the time and Constantine was pushing across the Tiber and needed to win the battle. Constantine would end up victorious but it meant more to him than just a victory. The win at the Milvian Bridge is what started Constantine's conversion to Christianity and as emperor, he would promote it in his new empire.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was an important part of Christianity growth. After Constantine had won the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Licnius and himself agreed to the Edict of Milan. The Edict states that Christianity and other religions would be accepted in the Roman empire. There would be no more persecution and all the items or belongings of Christians that were taken from them would be returned. Christians could now openly practice there religion and it was a big deal at this point in time.

Emperor Theodosius

381

Emperor Theodosius was born in 347 CE in modern day Spain. He was the last Roman emperor to rule over both parts of the Roman Empire (east and west). In 381, after Christianity had a big uprising, he began the persecution of the Roman religion (Hellenistic beliefs). He instituted laws that destroyed many temples and holy artifacts, banned the way of old Roman beliefs, and punished Romans with Hellenistic beliefs. (The tables have turned!)