Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

The Beginning of the Roman Rule in Israel

63 BCE

Rome took over what is now Israel in 63 BCE. This take over put Romans and Jews together. Eventually, a Jewish man named Jesus will start Christianity. Since Isreal is part of the Roman Empire now, it will allow Christianity to spread all the way around the Mediterranean and into Rome itself

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Born in 4 BCE and died in 30 CE. Jesus is the main figure in Christianity and is seen as a reincarnation of their God. He was a Jewish preacher and religious leader. He disagreed with most Jews on how to follow God, so they arrested him. He was then handed over to the Roman government where he was crucified. The people who followed him eventually started the first early church.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

In July 64 CE and it burned for 6 days. It was started by Emperor Nero so he could redesign Rome to look the way he wanted. He blamed this fire on the Christians, which eventually lead to The Great Prosecution of 303 CE.

Paul of Tarsus

67

He was born in 5 CE and died in 67 CE. He was a born a Jew and Roman. He used this to preach to both demographics. When he was younger he wanted to prosecute those who followed Jesus, but after Paul got a vision from Jesus he told everyone that Jesus was the Messiah and the son of God. He wrote many books on Christianity and was the founder of several churches in Europe and Asia Minor.

Perpetua

203

It's not known when she was born but she died in 203 CE. Perpetua was a mother and a married noblewoman. She was also a devout Christian. Because of this, she was thrown into the Colosseum to be killed by animals. She survived this and helped guide the sward to her neck when someone came down to kill her, showing how she was ok with death. This act showed off how strong the Christian faith could be and inspired may people to convert.

Constantine the Great

272

He was born on February 27th, 272 CE and died on May 22, 337 CE. Before he went into a battle against Maxentius's much larger army he saw a sign from the Christain God. He ended up winning the battle, thinking the reason why was because the Christain God was on his side. This caused him to make Christianity tolarated and to become the first Christain Roman Emperor.

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

This took place between 303-313 CE.
This was the last and most brutal persecution of Christians. Laws were written that demanded they sacrificed to and worshiped the old gods. If they would not obey they would be burned at the stake or thrown in the Colosseum to be attacked by lions and other wild animals.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

It took place on October 28th, 312 CE. During this battle, Emperor Constantine saw a vision. It was a cross in the sky with the words "In hoc signo vince" which meant "In this sign, you will conquer". That night he also had a dream where he was told to put the sign of Christ (a P and an X) on his shields. He ended up winning the battle, he thought was because he had the protection of the Christain God, which eventually led to Christianity's tolerance in Rome.

Edict of Milan

313

This was made February of 313 CE. This was a letter that allowed tolerance towards any religion, specifically Christianity, in Rome. It was written and signed by the Roman Emperors Licinius and Constantine.

Emperor Theodosius

347

He was born on January 11th, 347 CE and died on January 17th, 395 CE. He made Christianity legal and legitimized it as a religion.