Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel begins

63 BCE

-Roman General Pompey conquered Jerusalem and defeated Pompey.
-In Rome, Jewish communities enjoyed privileges and thrived economically, becoming a significant part of the Empire's population.
-The Romans Destroy the Temple at Jerusalem in 70 AD.
-Jewish- Roman tensions resulted in several Jewish-Roman wars.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

-A first- century Jewish preacher and religious leader
-He is the central figure of Christianity because many believe he is the incarnation or son of god.
-The birth of Jesus is celebrated annually on the 25 of December also known as Christmas.
-Jesus founded the Church, died by crucifixion as a sacrifice to achieve atonement, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven.

Paul of Tarsus

3 BCE

-Taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world.
-He traveled tens of thousands of miles around the Mediterranean spreading the word of Jesus.
-came up with the doctrine that would turn Christianity into a worldwide faith that was open to all.
-Spent the first part of his career prosecuting Christians.

The great fire of Rome

64

• An urban fire that caused great desolation and wreckage to Rome. -Rome burnt for around 6 days until the people were able to maintain the fire and get it under control around ⅔ of Rome was burnt to the ground. -The small part of Rome that wasn’t burnt was where many Christians lived so instantly Nero started blaming Christians for the devastation. -Christians were persecuted and forced to live in the shadows.

Perpetua

181

-A christian noblewoman who was arrested for following what she believed.
-Perpetua told the truth about her religion and was killed in Carthage.
- Said to have been 22 years old at the time of her death, and mother of an infant she was nursing.
-The story of Perpetua teaches people to be passionate for what they believe in.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

-This was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire
-Emperors created a series of laws dismantling Christians legal rights and demanding that they follow traditional religious practices.
-Christians were thrown into rings with beasts while citizens circled around the stadium watching the families get ripped to shreds.
-The persecution caused many churches to split between those who agreed with imperial authority and those who had remained "pure"

Constantine the Great

306

-During his rule he was able to transition Christianity into the dominant religion of the Roman Empire.
-Constantine abolished Christian Persecution and helped Licinius issue the Edict of Milan decriminalizing Christian worship.
-Constantine’s reign was a turning point for Christianity
-In 313 Constantine and Licinius announced that it was proper that the Christians and all others should have liberty to follow that mode of religion which to each of them appeared best.

The Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

-The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius.
-The night before the battle Constantine had a vision that if he put the Christian Symbol on his soldiers shields then he would be victorious.
-The battle resulted in another victory for Constantine which led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire.
-He attributed his victory to the god of the Christians and created the Edict of Milan soon after

Edict of Milan

313

-Constantine’s fate inspired him to allow everyone within the Roman empire to practice whatever religion they want without having to fear prosecution.
-An agreement to treat Christians benevolently within the Roman Empire.
-Granted everyone to worship whatever and whoever they pleased.
-A political agreement between Constantine and Licinius.

Emperor Theodosius

372

-The last emperor to rule over both the eastern and the western halves of the Roman Empire.
-He established Christianity as the state religion and successfully defended it against paganism and Arianism.
-He fought 2 successful civil wars gaining victories in both.
-Theodosius did not prevent Hellenistic temples from being built or punish the people building them.