Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Emperor Theodosius

347 BCE

Emperor Theodosius was a Roman Emperor, and the last Roman Emperor to rule over both Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire. He made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. He also settled the long standing gothic problems by allowing the goths to settle South of the Danube as allies of Rome.

Edict of Milan

313 BCE

A letter signed by the Roman Emperors Constantine and Licinius that proclaimed religious toleration in the Roman Empire. The day this was signed it stopped the persecution of Christians. Signing this made the Roman Empire much safer for Christians because now they are able to practice their religion freely.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312 BCE

The battle was between the Roman Emperors Constantine l, and Maxentius. Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. The main reason Constantine converted to Christianity was because he had a vision that he saw a cross of light in the heavens.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303 BCE

The Great Persecution was the last and most severe persecutions of Christians in the Roman Empire. The Emperors Diocletian, Maximain, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding Christians legal rights and demand that they comply with traditional religious practices. Around 3,000 to 3,500 Christians were killed throughout the Persecution.

Constantine the Great

272 BCE

Constantine the Great was a Roman emperor who was born in Naissus. Constantine was the son of Flavius Valerius Constantius. He was the first Roman emperor to ever convert to Christianity.

Perpetua

181 BCE

When Perpetua was 22 she was a wife, a mother of a son, and a Christian. She was put to death for her religious convictions. She was one of the 5 Christians who were set out to be dead in the arena.

Great Fire of Rome

64 BCE

The fire began in the merchant shops around the Circus Maximus. The fire was distinguished 10 days later with 14 districts that were burned. Nero was miles away from the fire in a much cooler area. History had blamed Nero for starting the fire so he could bypass the senate and rebuild Rome how he would like it to be built.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

37 BCE

Israel was under Roman rule, which had been the case since Rome wrestled the region from Syria. During the time, the Roman Empire rules most of the known world. By the time Rome took occupation of Israel, the Empire was large, but spread thin. Ruling Israel meant Rome would be able to move freely between the continents. Israel could continue to practice their monotheistic religion if they obeyed Roman Rule, payed taxes, and kept peace.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth was a first century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity and most believe he is the son of God. Jesus of Nazareth was born on Christmas day, and he died on the cross on Easter Sunday.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Paul of Tarsus taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He was one of the first leaders of the first generation of Christians. He was often considered to be one of the most important people after Jesus in the history of Christianity.