Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63 BCE

The Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem in his eastern campaign. Julius Ceaser defeated Pompey in 45BC and took over his empire including Israel. The Romans ruled in Israel until 313 AD. Judea was the most significant Roman province that was managed by many different leaders throughout the lifetime of Rome. Israel was ruled by Rome when Julius was born inside of Rome's borders.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus is the central figure of Christianity. His parents were Mary and Joseph, but Jesus is actually God's son. After Jesus's death, he becomes Jesus Christ. Jesus was a preacher and a healer who a lot of people followed. He resurrected on the cross and his story was passed on, which created Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Paul of Tarsus was one of the leaders of the first generation of Christians. He had many enemies. He was a big influence on Christianity. He was one of the greatest religious leaders of all time.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome began in the Circus Maximus. The city burned for 6 days and 65% of the city was destroyed. Some believed Nero planned the fire so he could bypass the senate to build Rome the way he wished. Others believe that Nero was not the cause of the fire because Rome had poor construction (where the poor lived) that would catch on fire very easily. Nero blamed the fire on the Christians (which Christianity was illegal). The fire ended on July 23, 64 AD.

Perpetua

181

Perpetua was a Christian. She lived in Carthage with her husband, son, and slave. Emperor Septimius Severus believed that Christianity undermined Roman patriotism. While being prepared for baptism, Perpetua was arrested. Her father tried to get her out of jail, by saying she wasn't a Christian, but she refused to allow him. Perpetua's friends all called themselves guilty at the trial and so did she. Perpetua and her friends were lined up, and one by one were killed.

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Many Christians and their leaders were killed during the Great Persecution. This happened because of the Christians project of reunifying the empire and uniting Romans. Diocletian wanted to take over Rome. He tried to avoid killing Christians because then they may become even more powerful. The attack was the most strategic persecution at that time.

Constantine the Great

306

The Roman Empire, Constantine, ruled from 306-337AD. He began The Rise of Christianity. Constantine had the vision to help Christianity be apart of the evolution of the empire. He supposedly saw a cross in the sky which said, "in this sign, you will conquer". He had a dream to put the first two letters of Christ's name on the Roman shields. He met with Licinius and made Christianity legal by passing Edict of Milan. He built churches in Constantinople after defeating Licinius at Milvian Bridge.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The battle took place between Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine was winning battles at Turin and Verona, invaded Italy, and marched on Rome. Maxentius was destroyed at the Battle of Milvian Bridge which made Constantine the master of the entire Roman Empire. Constantine believed in Christianity, and after he got the message from God to be a conqueror, and then won this battle, he was able to attribute it to the god of Christians.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan is an official order or proclamation by a person of authority. It was no longer legal to execute Christians which made there be more freedom of Religion. Constantine won the battle of Milvian Bridge and met with the eastern emperor, Licinius. This is how the Edict was passed.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Emperor Theodosius ruled from 379-395 CE. He was the last emperor to rule over eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire. He campaigned against the people who invaded Rome, but his resources were not good enough to kill them or drive them out.