Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63 BCE

Rome and general Pompey took control of Israel and Jerusalem in 63 BC. When Rome became an empire Israel became a new province. At first the Jewish religion was allowed. Soon the Roman religion was forced upon them which lead to the Jewish-Roman wars. After the war the Jews were no longer allowed to practice their religion. Jews were sold into slavery and practicing their religion was prohibited.

Jesus of Nazareth

1 CE

Jesus of Nazareth was the creator of Christianity in the first century AD. He was originally a Jewish religious leader who became the most well known and prominent figure of Christianity. Followers of Jesus believed he was the messiah. Details about Jesus's life were only in the oral form from many years. He gained followers because of his teachings and what he preached. Jesus was crucified and killed after he was charged with blasphemy.

Paul of Tarsus

33

Paul of Tarsus was a christian apostle who converted to Christianity in 33 CE. He was one of the first leaders of Christianity and considered the second most important Christian figure, after Jesus. Half of the new testaments stem from Paul's life and works. Paul spent most of the first half of his life persecuting Christians before converting to their beliefs. He converted because he claims to have seen a blinding light which proved that god chose Jesus as the messiah.

Great Fire of Rome

64

In July of 64 AD a fire started in Rome. It lasted for six days and burned the city throughout July. The fire destroyed more than 70% of the city. The emperor at the time, Nero blamed Christians for starting the fire. Nero used Christians as scapegoats for the Great Fire of Rome. He arrested and executed many Christians with the excuse that they had something to do with the fire.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a christian martyr who wrote about her trial and imprisonment in Rome. After the Edict of Milan was enforced she was arrested and condemned to death in the arena because she refused to abandon Christianity. While in prison Perpetua claimed to have had visions of heaven which lead her to accepting her fate. Her diary was read in churches in Carthage for centuries.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Diocletian persecuted Christians in an effort to unify the citizens with a common belief of the old gods. Those who were unwilling to war ship and sacrifice to the old gods were imprisoned or executed. During this event thousands of Christians were executed. This was a widespread persecution where Christians throughout the entire empire were punished, unlike previous persecutions were it was mainly in the main city. Churches were destroyed and christian scriptures were burned.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This battle during the Roman civil war lead to Constantine being the sole ruler of Rome. Before the battle it is thought that Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky which, Constantine claimed gave him the victory. He also won the battle because he was able to see flaws in the other army and use that against them. When he was fighting Maxentius he used what he believed to be guidance from god to beat the other army. It was seen as a religious awakening for Constantine.

Constantine the Great

312

Under the rule of Constantine Christianity became the most important religion in the empire. In 312 AD Constantine's army was marching into battle when he saw a cross in the sky. The cross said, "In this sign, you will conquer." Later he had a dream where he was told to put the first two letters of Christ's name on the shields. They won the battle. He believed that he had been helped by Jesus. Constantine built a new capital city filled with churches and dedicated to the christian god.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a proclamation to let Christians and people of other religions worship whichever deity they wished was established in 313 AD. This edict was different because it was permanent, unlike the previous ones. It gave Christians legal rights and allowed them to have churches. The Edict of Milan was established by Constantine, a christian emperor. It was seen as his first great act toward Christians.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Emperor Theodosius rule began in 379 AD. He was faithful to the christian beliefs. He made Christianity the official state religion. This went against the beliefs of many Roman citizens. Under his rule the empire was now ruled by an emperor who believed in a religion that was not based off of polytheism. He was criticized for not following the ways of the old religion. The state now no longer supported the old religion.