Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule in Israel (Begins) 37 BC

37 BCE

With the end of the Hasmonean dynasty, the Roman Empire took over Judea. The son in law of Hyrancus the Second, Herod was made king of Judea by the Romans. Herod had unlimited power and became one of the most powerful monarchs in the Roman Empire. After Herods death in 4 BC, Judea had a direct roman rule, which made the jews revolt, and ended up with the Romans destroying Jerusalem. This was a important part of roman history because it helped them gain and express their power.

Jesus of Nazareth 30 AD

30

The christians believed that the crucifixion of Jesus would be the ultimate and final sacrifice. The faith of the christians attracted jews and non-jews to join christianity. Lots of romans disliked this because they thought that their refusal to sacrifice would upset the gods. The romans also saw jesus as a political threat. But the crucifixion of Jesus was a very important part of Roman History and changed the view of the christians on the Romans.

Paul of Tarsus 4 BC- 64 AD

64

Paul of Tarsus was considered one of the most important people in the history of Christianity. Paul spent much of the first half of his life persecuting christians. After this Paul experienced a vision of the Lord and a bright blinding light and sent Jesus’ Disciples to his house to baptize him. The Holy Spirit filled Paul and he regained his sight. Paul then decided to teach others about Jesus. This is important for Roman History because it showed the Lord's forgiveness.

The Great Fire of Rome 64 AD

64

A huge fire in Rome that destroyed lots of the city. This devastating fire broke out among the shops of the Circus Maximus and burnt down the Temple of Jupiter Stator. The fire lasted for 6 days. Its true cause was not discovered, but the emperor of the time, Nero, blamed the christians for the fire. This was an important event in Roman History because it began the hatred and discrimination against the christians.

Perpetua 182-203 AD

203

Perpetua was a noblewoman who was imprisoned and was awaiting trial for refusing to worship the empire´s deities. Soon after she got arrested, Perpetua's father went to go visit her and asked her to turn away from her faith. Perpetua refused to let go of her faith had many visions about her going to heaven after being persecuted. Perpetua embraced her death with dignity. This was important in Roman History because it showed the faith the of christians and inspired others.

The Great Persecution of 303 AD

303

The Crisis of the Third Century gratefully came to an end with the help of the Emperor Diocletian. Emperor Diocletian created a new system of government called a tetrarchy which meant the rule of four emperors. Diocletian and his tetrarchs decided to persecute the Christians to bring back the old belief of the Roman gods. Thousands of Christians were killed. This event was important in Roman History because even after so many christians, the religion survived and lived on to show its strength

Constantine the Great 280-337 AD

306

Constantine was a roman emperor that popularized christianity. During a civil war in Rome had a dream about of the cross, XP, and In Hoc Signo and demanded to paint XP on his soldiers shields and ended up winning the battle. After that he created the Edict of MIlan in 313 AD to make christianity legal. Constantine began worshiping christ and the other gods. This was important to roman history because it was what set christianity in motion and welcomed people to join the religion.

Battle of Milvian Bridge 312 AD

312

In 306 Constantine was declared emperor at York, but Maxentius claimed the imperial title in Rome. Marching on Rome, Constantine prepared to do battle with his rival Maxentius. The night before the battle, Constantine had a vision of cross, XP, and In Hoc Signo and demanded to paint XP on his soldiers shields. Constantine was victorious in the war. This was important in roman history because it gave the christians support from their emperor of their religion.

The Edict of Milan 313 AD

313

A letter/law making christianity legal signed in Milan by Constantine and Licinius. This removed all restrictions on christianity and its worship in rome. Later on, Licinius tried to take back the Edict of the Milan which lead to another war, but Constantine defeated Licinius and spread the belief of christianity to the whole Roman empire. This was important because it finally gave the christians the right to practice their religion freely.

Empreor Theodosius 379-395 AD

395

Emperor Theodosius used his power to enforce orthodox Christianity, but ended up placing his power under that of the church. He was very supportive to the christians. He considered himself a christian as well. Theodosius was considered the roman emperor that made christianity ¨the¨ roman religion. And this was important to roman history because the christians felt the support from their emperor to practice christianity and Theodosius helped popularize christianity.