“Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire”

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus of Nazareth was a man who come to the earth to tell people about God and their opportunity of eternal life and forgiveness. After Jesus' death Christianity was born. His example and word was the beginning of Christianity.

Great Fire of Rome

64

Lasted 6 days, destroyed 65% of Rome, some historians believed that Nero was responsible, Christians were blamed, the persecution against Christians began.

Roman Rule of Israel

66

When Romans took over Israel they appointed Hyrcanus II as king. The Jews were hostile towards the Romans and the Roman had to appoint Herod. After Herod died the Judea came under direct Roman Rule. The suppression of Jews continued. The Jews had a complete revolt against the Romans.

Paul of Tarsus

67

Paul of Tarsus was a jew. He tried to destroy Christianity until he had a vision. Because of Paul's eventual support of Christians, he was executed by Nero.

Perpetua

300

Perpetua was a noblewoman who died because she was a Christian. She was living in North Africa and the Emperor Severus decided o cripple Christianity. She was captured and would not deny that she was Christian. She was sentenced to death in the Arena.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Diocletian blamed the Christians for Rome's economic crisis. Hundreds of Christians were kill and many of their churches were destroyed. Diocletian's goal was to unify the empire and bring back the beliefs of the old gods.

Constantine the Great

312

Constantine was an Emperor of Rome and wanted to unite Rome. Before the Battle of Mailvian Bridge he claims to have seen a vision. That night he also said he had a dream that made him order the first to letters in Christ's name on his men's shields. He had a major victory and gave credit for his victory to the Christian god. This was the beginning of Christian tolerance in Rome.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was a Battle between Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine saw a vision and had a dream that led him to paint the first two letters of Christ's name on his men's shields. After Constantine won the battle he gave credit to the Christian god. He effectively ended the major persecution of the Christians.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was created by Constantine after the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Constantine gave credit to the God of Christians for his victory. He made the Edict of Milan which outlawed the persecution of Christians. This allowed Christianity to spread all over the known world.

Emperor Theodosius

380

Emperor Theodosius was the last Roman emperor to rule both halves of Rome. Theodosius was very sympathetic to Christians. During his reign Nicene Christianity because the state religion of Rome. Theodosius was also a Christian himself.