Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Also known as Jesus Christ, considered to be the head of Christianity. Regarded as the reincarnation of God by Christians. Because Jesus crucified on the cross, that is often a symbol to represent Christians. Jesus was also said to be a carpenter Jesus was crucified around 30 A.D. Jesus presence was what began the start of Christianity and was considered to be the embodiment of god.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Often considered to be next most important member of Christianity after Jesus, Paul of Tarsus was born in tarsus and was originally Jewish. His original name was actually Saul but was changed. He was a leader of the first generations of Christians and was said to have many enemies. His significance comes from writing letters and spreading the ideals of Jesus.

Roman Rule of Israel

63

The Roman rule of Israel began formally when Roman military captured Jerusalem. And with Julius Caesar, Judaism was recognized as a religion. Some tensions resulted in some wars between the Jewish and Romans. However over time the Christians would gain more power and begin to restrict the rights of the Jewish.

Great Fire of Rome

64

A fire started at the Circus Maximus. It burned for days, coming under control at day 6 but reigniting for 3 more days. It left 10 of 14 Roman districts in ruins and destroyed many important pieces to Rome such as an 800 year old temple for Jupiter. The cause is unknown but said to have been started by emperor Nero. Nero had a plan rejected by the senate to build a city based on himself so it would allow for him to build it if everything was destroyed.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua was a noblewoman from Carthage who's importance came from being the first diarist ever and also writing after her imprisonment. She also stayed in prison a proud Christian rather than denying she was.

Constantine the Great

280

Constantine the Great was a Roman Emperor who began his rule towards the beginning of the 4th century who was most famous for his signing of the Edict of Milan which allowed Christianity with no persecution. The date was the beginning of his rule.

The Great Persecution of 303

303

A law signed by the Roman emperors which restricted and allowed persecution of anyone practicing the Christian religion. The persecutions varied from place to place most severe in the east side of the empire. Even before this Christians had always been subject to discrimination. After the this, their were many festivals celebrating the beginning of the end for Christianity. This would not last long after Constantine gained power.

Battle of Milvian Hill

312

A battle between Constantine and his rival Maxentius. Constantine supposedly saw a sign in his dream which prompted him to tell his soldiers to draw crosses on their shields and march into battle as Christians. Constantine made his cavalry push up so Maxentius would have nowhere to go and ended up winning. Constantine ended up moving the capitol to Byzantium and changing the name to Constantinople.

Edict of Milan

313

An act signed by emperor Constantine in the West side and emperor Licinius which would allow Christians to practice Christianity with being prosecuted. It was believed to have been signed in February. This would begin a division between the old worshipers of the Roman gods and goddess and those who were Christians. This would also allow the construction of churches.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Emperor Theodosius was a Roman emperor who ruled both sides of the empire at one point. One of his biggest parts of his career was fighting 2 civil wars and making the largest bathhouse in Constantinople. He had also be baptized during a period of serious illness. His major significance comes from solidifying the Roman Empire as a Christian state and campaigning against the barbarians on the outside of the city.