Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Paul the Apostle, commonly known as Saint Paul and also known by his Jewish name Saul of Tarsus, was an apostle who taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world.
At first he wanted to put Christians to death, but then became one of the most well known saints.
He was originally called Saul, but after an encounter with Jesus, people started calling him Paul.
This is when his belief had begun to grow.
Paul died in Rome around the year 65 under orders of the Emperor Nero.
Can't find m+d

Jesus of Nazareth

6

born 6–4 BC, Bethlehem - died AD 30, Jerusalem
Religious leader in Christianity.
He is regarded by most Christians as the Incarnation of God.
After his death he known as Jesus Christ.
Jesus was a Galilean from Nazareth.
(Can't find anything that tells me what year, it just tells me between 6 and 4 BC)

Great Fire of Rome

64

A fire started in the enormous Circus Maximus stadium in Rome.
When the fire was finally extinguished 6 days later, 10 of Rome's 14 districts were burned.
Some ancient historian's blamed Rome's emperor, Nero, for the fire. One historian said Nero was playing the fiddle wile his city went up in flames.
Other historians believe Nero wanted to burn the city to build a better one.
Nero himself blamed a rebellious new cult- the Christians, and persecuted them.
July 18, 64 AD-July 23, 64 AD

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

66

Israel was under Roman rule, which had been the case since Rome wrested the region from Syria in 64 BC.
During the time, the Roman Empire ruled most of the known world.
By the time Rome took occupation of Israel, the Empire was large, but spread thin.
Israel’s location was strategic.
Ruling Israel meant Rome would be able to move freely between the continents.
Israel could continue to practice their monotheistic religion if they obeyed Roman rule, paid their taxes, and kept the peace.

Perpetua

203

Christian martyr who wrote The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity.
Born in 181 AD and died March 7, 203 AD.
Vibia Perpetua was a married noblewoman, said to have been 22 years old at the time of her death, and mother of an infant she was nursing.
Felicity, a slave imprisoned with her and pregnant at the time, was martyred with her.
They were put to death along with others at Carthage in the Roman province of Africa.

Constantine the Great

272

A Roman emperor who ruled between 306 and 337 AD.
He is best known for being the first Christian Roman emperor.
In February 313, Constantine met with Licinius in Milan where the made the Edict of Milan.
The edict said that Christians could believe what they waned.
His biggest victory based on Christianity was the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on October 28th, 312.
Constantine died May 22, 337 AD

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The Diocletianic or Great Persecution was the last and most severe persecution of the Christians in the Roman Empire.

In 303, the Emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding Christians' legal rights and demanding that they comply with traditional religious practices.
As many as 3,000 - 3,500 were executed under the authority of imperial edicts.
Lasted for eight years.
Diocletian's goal was to wipe out the Church
from 303 CE to 311 CE

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on October 28 312 AD.
It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber.
This was a crucial moment in a civil war that ended with Constantine as sole ruler of the Roman Empire and Christianity.
Constantine ended up getting a victory.
This battle was a big part of the rise of Christianity.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius, that proclaimed religious toleration in the Roman Empire.
Stopped the persecution of Christians.
Emperor Constantine's tolerance and acceptance of Christianity paved the way for its rapid spread throughout the Roman empire and Europe.
It was the outcome of a political agreement concluded in Mediolanum
This granted all persons freedom to worship whatever deity they pleased, assured Christians of legal rights.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Roman Emperor from 379 to 395.
He was the last emperor to rule over both the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire.
Theodosius campaigned against Goths and other barbarians who invaded the Empire.
He was made emperor because of his military abilities.
He also issued the Edict of Thessalonica, making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Died January 17, 395 AD