Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel Begins

64 BCE

Rome gained control of Israel in 64 BCE. This is specifically important to the rise of Christianity because Israel is the center of Christian belief and was visited many times by Jesus. Many Christians lived in Israel at this time, and this meant by adding it, many Christians were added to the Roman Empire. This allowed the spread and support of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Although the people of Israel revolted several times, Rome managed to keep them under Roman control until 313 CE.

Jesus of Nazareth is Born

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish preacher and religious leader, and the central figure of Christianity. He was born in 4 BC and died between 30-33 AD around age 30. He gained support and followers quickly because of his teachings and the positive messages of Christianity, and rapidly became a threat in Roman eyes. Pontius Pilate - one of the Roman rulers at the time that Jesus was alive and gathering followers - was very suspicious of Jesus's intentions and ultimately ordered his crucifixion.

Nero Comes to Power

54

Nero was born under the name Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus in 37 AD but changed his name to Nero Claudius Caesar after he was adopted by his great uncle, the emperor Claudius, at age 13. Nero came to power in 54 AD at age 17 and ruled for 14 years until he committed suicide in 68 AD. He was very invested in his own interests and wants, and he even murdered his own mother to get where he wanted to be. He treated Christians brutally and persecuted them throughout his rule.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

On July 19, 64 AD, a fire broke out in the shops that lined the Circus Maximus, the huge Roman chariot racing stadium. This was not unusual because of the hot temperatures and flammable materials used to build the shops, but this fire burned for 6 days, was put out, then burned again for 3 more days and destroyed 2/3 of Rome. Nero is suspected to have set the fire and kept it burning because he was unhappy with decisions that the Senate had made and wanted to show his displeasure.

Death of Paul of Tarsus

68

Saul of Tarsus was born around 4 BCE. He changed his name after he converted to Christianity to Paul of Tarsus and played a major role in the development of Christianity in the Roman Empire. He wrote letters that had a substantial influence on the beliefs of Christians, and talked specifically about the relationships between God and Jesus, and God and humans. Paul was martyred because of his faith and was most likely beheaded in June of 68 CE.

Death of Perpetua and Felicity

203

Many Christians were persecuted under the emperor Nero. One of the many Christians killed was a woman named Vibia Perpetua, who was a noblewoman, wife, and a mother. She was put into the arena on March 7, 203 with her slave, Felicity and other Christians to be maimed by a wild boar. When she and Felicity did not die, they were sentenced to death by sword. It is said that Perpetua guided the sword to her own neck, in a show of insane bravery. She is considered a martyr by Christians today.

Great Persecution of 303

303

The Great Persecution is also known as the Diocletianic Persecution. It was the last and worst period of Christian Prosecution in the Roman Empire. As many as 3,000-35,000 Christians were executed under the rule of emperor Diocletian (244 AD-311 AD). The first edict of persecution was put into effect on February 24, 303. The Great Persecution ended in 311.

Constantine The Great Comes to Power

306

Born Flavius Valerius Constantinus on February 27, 272 AD, Constantine the Great played an enormous role in the growth of Christianity. He came to power in 306 AD. In the battle of Milvian Bridge, he saw a vision of a cross with the words "In hoc signo vinces" written under it - which in English means "Under this sign, Conquer." After his outstanding victory at the battle and a dream from God, Constantine created the Edict of Milan, which allowed religious freedom.

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge was a battle between the Roman Emperors Constantine I - who ruled western Rome- and Maxentius -who ruled eastern Rome- on the 28th of October, 312. The Milvian Bridge was an important route over the Tiber, and by winning the Battle, Constantine I defeated his enemy in the east and became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. The Battle of Milvian Bridge allowed Constantine to create the Edict of Milan, which allowed and even encouraged the spread of Christianity.

The Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter that was an official order and proclamation made by Constantine the Great and Licinius, after the victory of Milvian Bridge. It proclaimed religious freedom and tolerance in the Roman Empire for all religions. It was issued in February, 313 AD and officially stopped the persecution of Christians. The Edict of Milan made it safer for Christians to practice their religion and encouraged the spread of Christianity to the size and popularity that it is at today.

Emperor Theodosius and the Edict of Thessalonica

380

Theodosius I was born on in 379 AD and died in 395 AD. He was the last Roman Emperor to rule both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire. He ruled from 379 to 395. In 380 CE, he issued the Edict of Thessalonica, which made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. Emperor Theodosius became a convert and stopped the persecution of Christians, allowing the religion to spread around the Roman Empire and even farther - to the rest of the world.