Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63 BCE

Early Roman rule of Israel was more about Rome trying and failing to get their Jewish subjects to trust and respect them. Rome granted the Hasmonean King limited authority under the Roman governor of Damascus. Already the Jews were hostile to the new Regime. in 37 BC, Herod, son in law to the Hasmonean King, was appointed King of Judea by the Romans. In this role, Herod was able to achieve many great things, but despite all this, he still couldn't gain the Jews' trust, leading to Jewish riots.

Jesus of Nazareth

6 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth, often known as Jesus Christ, is the main inspiring figure-head of Christianity. He was born to Joseph and Mary in the year 6 BC, though it's said Joseph is only legally Jesus' father, as Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived, a "child of the Holy Spirit." Jesus became a preacher and healer, gaining some attention. while in Jerusalem, Jesus was executed, dying in the year 30 AD, but his disciples still believed in his presence, leading to the new religion of Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

The Apostle Paul was a very important figure in Christianity. Guessed to have been born around the year 4 BC, he was originally of Pharisee beliefs. The Pharisees were a religious group that believed in life after death. For the first portion of his life, Paul was against Christianity, even travelling around and punishing Christians, but after a vision, he himself converted to Christianity and began travelling around preaching Christianity. He sadly was sent to Rome and executed, dying in 62 CE.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

On July 19, 64 CE, the huge Circus Maximus Stadium in Rome was the starting site of a large fire that would terrorize Rome in the following days. The fire lasted 6 days before being extinguished, and by the end of it, 10 of Rome's 14 districts were burned. Contrary to most modern historians, ancient historians believed Nero started the fire, possibly to build a new palace, even starting a false myth that he played the fiddle as his city burned. Nero himself believed it was the rebel Christians.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua was a martyr for the Christian religion, born in the year 182. Emperor Septimius forbade conversion to Christianity or Judaism. Perpetua and four other companions, as well as one willingly joining the group, were arrested for being among those preparing for baptism. While in prison, Perpetua wrote a journal about her experience in jail, and before she was executed, she passed it on to another Christian who continued the writing for her. She died in the year 203, but her story lives on.

Constantine the Great

280

Constantine I was the Emperor of Rome from 324 CE to 337 CE. He is theorized to have been born on February 27, 280, and died May 22, 337. His Father became the Western Roman Emperor in 305, and after his father's death, Constantine fought to take power. He successfully became the Western Emperor in 312, and became the sole Emperor in 324. Constantine was also the first Emperor who adhered to Christianity, issuing an edict that protected Christians and converting to Christianity on his deathbed.

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Rome was often kind to other already existing religions, and when Christianity first came about, it was thought to have been some offshoot of Judaism, so it was mostly left alone. However, Rome soon came to realize that it was not only a religion all it's own, but a threat to the Empire. In 303, the Emperor Diocletian overturned the preexisting laws protecting Christians, instead releasing edicts to enforce loyalty to the old gods. Many Christians were killed in this time, but it ended in 313.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was a one day battle at the mentioned bridge just outside of Rome. The battle was fought between Emperors Maxentius and Constantine I. It was a crucial piece of a civil war, ending with Constantine as the sole ruler of Rome, and him declaring Christianity as the main religion in the empire. on October 27, the night before the battle, Constantine had a dream saying, in summary, that he shall win under the sign of the cross, convincing him to convert to Christianity.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a proclamation establishing religious toleration for Christianity in the Roman Empire. In essence, it was an allowance of freedom of religion. The edict was the result of a political agreement between Roman Emperors Constantine I and Licinius allowing everyone freedom to worship whatever deity they pleased. it assured Christians legal rights, and directed prompt return to Christians of confiscated property. Previous toleration edicts were short lived, but this one worked.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Emperor Theodosius I was born January 11, 347. When his father was sentenced to death and executed, he withdrew to his Spanish estates. In this time he married Aelia Flacilla. Some years later, Emperor Gratian invited Theodosius to his court, and after he proved his abilities in a battle against the Sarmatians, he was claimed co-emperor. in 392, this Christian emperor completely prohibited worship of Pagan gods. Theodosius won the civil war that broke out, but he fell ill and passed away in 395.