Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

The Great Persecution

303 BCE

The Great Persecution was first started by Diocletian in February 303 BCE. It lasted 8 years killing about 3500 Christians by Imperial edicts. Diocletian wanted the Christians to comply to all of their beliefs, or he would kill them.

Roman Rule of Israel

63 BCE

The Roman Emperor Pompey took over Iserial in 63 BC. Taking over Iserial was strategic because it lays at the crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This allowed for easy access to all the continents. Rome made a deal with Iserial so that they could continue to practice their monotheistic religion so long as they obeyed Roman rule, paid their taxes, and kept the peace.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth aka Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem which is on the edge of the Roman empire. He was the first-century Jewish leader and was a symbol of Christianity. He was known as the Messiah or the son of God.

Paul of Tarsus

52

Paul of Tarsus also knows as The Apostle Paul died around 65 AD with experts not knowing his birthdate. He was a first-century Christian leader and is often considered the most important Christian after Jesus. Many of his letters are big contributors to today's Christians. In the new testament of the Bible 13 of the 27 books are written by Paul. He was the first person to use the term "the gospel" in connection to the teaching of Christ.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The fire was 6 started in the giant stadium Circus Maximus shop lasting six days. The fire burned down 70% of Rome. 10 of Romes 14 distracts were burned to the ground. Many historians blame Rome's emperor Nero for burning down the city. They say he wanted the city burned down so he could build a new palace.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a Christian woman who lived with her husband, her son, and her slave. Perpetua lived in Carthage, North Africa. She was eventually killed for her Christian beliefs. She was one of only five people to be killed in that area. Perpetua's father was a pagan and came often to the prison where she was held to plead with his daughter to renounce her religion and save her life

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine was the first Roman emperor to profess Christianity. As emperor, Constantine enacted administrative, financial, social, and military reforms to strengthen the empire.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. The battle was fought between Constantine and Maxentius with Constatine pulling off a great victory. After the battle, he would continue on and end the Tetrarchy in Rome

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was created by Constantine and Licinius allowing Christians complete freedom to worship in Rome. It also gave them the ability to build organized churches. This Edict put an end to the Christian persecutions.

Emperor Theodosius

392

He was the emperor of the East Rome from 379-392 and then later was the sole emperor of Rome from 392-395. He was known as Theodosius the Great for his devout Christianity. His father was killed for high treason in his childhood.