Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63 BCE

From 63 BCE–135 CE the Romans ruled Israel. During this Roman rule Christianity spread immensely. During this time Jesus gathered a group of followers known as "disciples or apostles" Jesus taught them stories about god and the main Judaism beliefs.His influence began to grow and the Romans saw this as a threat to their power.He was later sentenced to death by crucifixion. His followers continued to spread his word. It grew and people who accepted it knew it as Christianity, The religion spread

Jesus of Nazareth

6 BCE

Born 6/4 BCE - death 30 CE Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish leader who became a big figure in Christianity. The small group of people who originally believed in Jesus were the Jews in Rome. The Roman Empire was demanding that everyone believe in the emperors but the Jews religion was to believe in only one god.Jesus began to teach Jewish traditions. Jesus of Nazareth is what started the belief of Christianity and was therefore the start of the spread in religion throughout the world and Rome.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

born 4 BCE died 62–64 CE one of the first generation Christian leaders Paul. He was a historical figure who set the tone for Christianity. He wrote emphasized celibacy and the theory of divine grace and salvation. Paul spread much Christianity through Rome in written forms. He was sent to Rome for 2 years of imprisonment as a heretic and was beheaded under Nero's power. Before death Paul spread the word of Christianity by being one of the first people to do "the teaching of Christ."

The Great Fire of Rome

64

From July 18, 64 CE – July 23, 64 CE The great fire of Rome occurred in the enormous Circus Maximum Stadium and lasted for 6 days.The fire was blamed on Nero who had previously wanted to rebuild Rome and make it better but when he was declined he set fire to Rome. Nero was said to have hired people to stop the fire from being extinguished. Nero himself later blamed "The dangerous cult" also known as the Christians for the fire and they were punished by torturer and death, the city burned fast.

Perpetua

181

Born 181 CE died March 7, 203 CE Perpetua a young Roman woman who wrote about her account with Martyr. She had dreams of battling the devil in a theater and winning a crown from god, she also had a vision of her brother in heaven, this story proved an account with god and spread the religion. Perpetua and her slave were thrown to "the beasts" they survive and were killed by sword. She guided it to her neck this showed her wanting for eternal reward. This was written inspiration of Christianity.

Constantine the Great

272

Born February 27, 272 CE and death May 22, 337 AD, Constantine the great influenced the spread of Christianity greatly. Constantine had a vision which urged him to fight him under the power of god, he won that war the next day. He fought with the sign of Christ on his shields. He became the sole ruler of the roman empire in 324. Constantine made Christianity legal and it spread across Rome. He also passed the edict of Milan ensuring the well being of Christians it gave more freedom of religion

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

From 303-311 CE the biggest persecution of Christians. The edict against Christians was created, it destroyed christian scriptures and prevented worship. 3,000−3,500 Christians were executed during this for being found of having this religion. Romans believed Christianity was a threat and questioned roman gods and rituals. Christians were brutally tortured and even burned at the stake. Closed worship led to dirty rumors about Christians. Christians were treasonous and not accepted.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

October 28, 312 CE the Battle of Milvian bridge occurred. Previous to this war Constantine had a vision of fighting a war under gods protection. Constantine went into war with the sign of Christ on their shields. After the war was won many people of Rome were convinced that the war was won because of god and Christianity started to spread. After the war Christianity was made legal and many people followed it. Churches were built and people were able to worship in public.

Edict of Milan

313

February 313CE The Edict of Milan was put in place to establish religious tolerance.This was one of the 1st acts leading to religious freedom.This eliminated torture and burning at the stake for your religion and allowed open worship of whichever deity you believed in.This spread Christianity by building a community because religion could be pubic.The edict of Milan was put in place by by the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius.Tolerance and acceptance built a road to the spread of religion.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Born January 11, 347 CE, died January 17, 395 CE Theodosius made Christianity the official language of Rome, making religion more free and safe in public. He helped build the nature of church and built the relationship with Rome.Theodosius helped ensure that Christianity was not challenged in the Roman Empire. He helped destroy the ancient religions and bring in Christianity. Theodosius created another edict specifically requiring worship of the one God. Christianity spread across the World.