Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

1 CE

Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem. He is the foundation of Christianity and by the Messianic Jewish people who proclaim Him to be the Messiah.

Great Fire of Rome

64

A fire started in the Circus Maximus stadium. it took six days to extinguish. When is what finally over, ten of Rome's fourteen districts were burned. Historians blamed the emperor, Nero, they thought he wanted to destroy the land so he could build a new palace. But Nero himself blamed the new group, the Christians.

Paul of Tarsus

64

Paul of Tarsus, also known as saint Paul, taught the gospel of Christ. He ministered both Jewish and Roman audiences. Thirteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have been attributed to Paul. From the fifth to sixteenth century, Paul was believed to be the author of Hebrews. Paul's work continues to be very important to religious beliefs.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

66

In 66 AD the first Jewish - Roman war began. It was started by Roman emperors, Vespasian and Titus. The Jewish population was banished from Jerusalem and now centered on Galilee.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua wrote the passion of saints perpetua and felicity. It was a journal she wrote about her trial and imprisonment. In the end it was decided for her to be killed in the arena for what she believed in. Her story has been highly respected by Christians. Her journal is one of the few surviving texts written by a woman in ancient times.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Great Persecution was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. They issued many edicts rescinding Christians' rights and demanding that they go with traditional religious practices.

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine was the emperor from 306 CE to 337 CE. Emperor Diocletian realized later on that the Roman empire was too big for one man to rule over it. He split the rule between four people. Constantine vowed that he would one day take the throne and return the roman empire back the way it was.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The battle of Milvian Bridge was between the roman emperors Constantine I and Maxentius. It was named after the Milvian Bridge, as that was one of the main routes to get over the Tiber river. This battle was the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. He had a vision about the Christian god protecting him.Constantine won two major battles, Turin and Verona.

Edict of Milan

313

The edict of Milan was a letter signed by Constantine and Licinius, who were Roman emperors.This letter made it so all religions were tolerated. It stopped the persecution of Christians.

Emperor Theodosius

378

When Valentinian died, Theodosius became emperor because Valentinian's son was only seven which was far too young to be ruler. Theodosius started to rebuild the army to fight the barbarians but realized it was not going to be enough so he tried to live in peace with them. During the civil war, because Theodosius was loyal to Christianity, the war did not only decide the political fate, but also the religious fate of Rome.