Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

1 CE

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in 1 AD. His birth was the basis of the BC/AD calendar. He is also the foundation of all christian religions. He taught many different people, from many different places his teachings. At age 32, he was crucified by Roman soldiers.

Paul of Tarsus

5

Paul first went by the name of Saul, then after he was converted, changed his name to Paul. He was a well known follower of Christ. He wrote many letters to several groups of people, and those epistles were recorded, and make up a good deal of the bible. He was beheaded in Rome, probably part of the mass killings by the emperor Nero.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

On this day a fire broke out in Rome and burned most of the city down. The emperor Nero was thought to have started the fire. When he heard this he was angry and blamed Christian for doing it. Many Christians were tortured into confessing, then brutally killed.

Roman Rule of Israel

64

When the Romans took over Israel, they did not rule it directly. Instead the appointed kings with limited authority to rule. In general, the people of Israel, especially the Jews, did not like these kings. After the king Herod died, it came under direct roman rule. Israel was changed a lot under their rule.

Perpetua

181

Perputua was a christian, and a famous martyr. She was imprisoned with 4 other Christians for their beliefs in Christ. While in prison she started a diary. She and the others were then thrown to wild animals, and when they survived, were slain by the sword. Her diary survived, and her story is told to this day in many christian churches.

Constantine the Great

272

Constantine the Great, also known as Constantine I, was the first christian roman emperor of Rome. He first was not religious, but after several experiences in his life, he was converted. He was babtised on his deathbed, but some scholars still question his beliefs, as he still worshiped some of the old roman gods.

The Great Persecution

303

The Great Persecution, also known as the Diocletianic Persecution, started when several emperors issued a series of edicts that took away Christians legal rights and demanded that they participate in the traditional religious practices. Later they demanded that all Christians sacrifice to the emperors, or be executed. Most Christians did not, however, and many were tortured and killed.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This battle was between emperors Constantine and Maxentius on the Milvian bridge, which spanned the Tiber river. This battle marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Constantine had a vision, that if he painted the first two letters of Christ's name on the soldiers shields, he would win the battle. He painted all the shields, and he won the battle.

Edict of Milan

313

The edict of Milan was a letter signed by Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius. This letter proclaimed religious freedom throughout Rome. This letter stopped the persecution of the Christians. We do no longer know the exact words of the edict.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Theodosius was the last emperor to rule over the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire. He was also a devout Christian. In 380 AD, he issued the Edict of Thessalonica, which made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.