Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

37 BCE

In 37 BCE, Herod- the son in law of Hyrcanus II was appointed King of Judea by the Romans. He became one of the most powerful monarchs in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Herod remodeled the Temple into a magnificent building. Herod failed to win the trust and support of his Jewish people. Ten years after Herod's death, Titus led Roman forces to victory. Romans defeated the last Jewish settlement. The land became a province of the Roman Empire.

Jesus of Nazareth

4

Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, was born on 4 BC + died on 30 BC. Jesus was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity + the founder of the Christian faith. Jesus came to general attention at the time of a baptism, religious ritual performed after a child's birth, just before his public ministry. He taught in stories that described the kingdom or behavior of people who acknowledged God's reign, God existence everywhere.

Paul of Tarsus

5

Paul of Tarsus was born in 5 BC- also known as Saint Paul. He was one of the leaders of the first generation of Christians. He was most important person after Jesus. Paul is recognized by Christians as a saint. He was a teacher who taught the people of Christ to the first-century world. Paul was a historical figure who set the tone for Christianity. Paul is considered one of the most significant figures of the Apostolic Age + in the mid 30-50s AD. He founded churches in Asia Minor + Europe.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome began in the merchant shops around Rome's Circus Maximus. It lasted 6 days before coming under control + destroyed over 65% of the city. Gangs of thugs prevented people from putting out the fire. People believed Nero planned the fire in order to build Rome the way he wished. Nero blamed Christians for starting the fire. The 1st organized persecutions of Christians began.

Perpetua

203

Vibia Perpetua was born on 182 BC + died on March 7, 203 BC. Perpetua was a Christian martyr. She wrote The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity. It is one of the oldest and most rare surviving Christian documents. The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity was written in both Latin and Greek forms. It contains a first-person prison diary of Perpetua, a young mother.

The Great Persecution

303

The Great Persecution took place under Diocletian, lasting 8 years. Diocletian + Maximian + Galerius + Constantius issued a series of edicts changing Christians' legal rights. All citizens of the empire were competed to sacrifice to the traditional Pagan gods, the penalty for refusing was death. Christian scriptures + church building was destroyed. Christians were thrown to the beasts and burned alive. Thousands of Christians died- church leaders. Christianity was still able to survive.

Constantine the Great

306

The Roman Empire Constantine rule between 206-337 AD after he fought with Licinius in one last civil war. Constantine and Licinius created the Edict of Milan which stated that Christians would no longer be persecuted in the Roman Empire. He established a new capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople. He adopted Christianity as the religion for the Roman Empire. He encouraged people to practice religion freely and chose to follow Christianity. He put labarum on the shields of his soldiers.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

In the Battle of Milvian Bridge Roman between the emperor Constantine + Maxentius took place near the Milvian Bridge of the Tiber River. The battle bought the end of the tetrarchy. Constantine won the battle and became the sole ruler of the Empire + cemented Christianity’s place as an official religion. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber River during the battle- his body was taken out of the river and decapitated. His head was displayed through the streets of Rome.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was issued in 313 AD by Constantine- who ruled the western parts of the Empire + Licinius- who ruled the eastern parts of the Empire. Constantine + Licinius met in Milan to agree to change policies towards Christians. The Edict of Milan made Christianity legal in the Empire. This was the first step by the Roman emperors to protect the Christians from persecution. It allowed Christians to practice their religious beliefs freely without making it a crime.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Emperor Theodosius the Great was the last emperor to rule both the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire from 379 - 395 CE. He was a military commander who rebuild the army. Theodosius is known for making Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire. He was a strong defender of the Orthodox Christian faith and is a saint. Theodosius established the creed of the Council of Nicaea, the first council where Christian churches were intended to address all believers.