Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63 BCE

Rome conquered Israel in the 63rd century BCE. Rome took this region from Syria in 64 BCE and, during this New Testament era, the Roman empire ruled most of the known world. When Rome took hold of Israel, the empire was vast but it was spread thin. The Romans conquered Israel because it lay at a crossroad between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This allowed Rome to move freely between the three continents. Jews in Israel could continue to practice their religion if they payed taxes and kept peace.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth, most commonly known as Jesus Christ, is the central figure of Christianity. He was born on December 25th and was a first century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is most commonly believed by Christians to be the son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit-- his mother was Mary and his legal father was Joseph. He founded the Christian church, along with many other accomplishments, and died by crucifixion for his sins, where from he ascended into heaven.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Paul of Tarsus, born in the year 4 BCE, is a very famous historical figure. He was one of Jesus's apostles, and changed his name from Saul to Paul when he converted to Christianity. He set the tone for Christianity creating the theory of divine grace and salvation. Paul met James, who was the brother of Jesus, and Peter, the Apostle, in a city named Jerusalem. From that point on, he contributed in many ways to make Christianity a universal religion. He died in 62-64 CE.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

On July 19th, 64 CE, a fire started in the Circus Maximus Stadium in Rome. Some historians say that Emperor Nero wanted to burn down the city so that he could build a new palace. However, most modern day historians believe that it was caused from a fire in an apartment. The fire was finally extinguished six days later, on July 25th, and ten of Rome's fourteen districts were burned. Many people blamed the Christians for the fire and this lead to an increase in the Christian persecutions.

Perpetua

181

Perpetua was a Christian noblewoman who lived during the turn of the third century. She was twenty-two years old, she was a wife, and she was a mother of a young boy and of another Christian. She was put to death because of her religious convictions on March 7th, 203. She was one of the five Christians who was murdered in the arena. Because of heroic death and continuous beliefs, she was a role-model for Christians and inspired Augustine to preach sermons about her death.

Constantine the Great

272

Constantine's father was the emperor of the western Roman empire. Constantine fought for power after his father's death to become the western emperor in 312 and sole emperor in 324. He was the first Roman emperor to adhere to Christianity after a vision from God helped him win the Battle of Milvian Bridge. He issued the Edict of Milan that legalized Christianity and the construction of Constantinople. He provided support for the rise of Christianity in Rome. He died on May 22, 337.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

When emperor Diocletian came to power he issued the 'Great Persecution'. This lasted for nearly a decade and was a series of laws that prevented Christians from jobs, public offices, churches, and literature and stripped them of their rights. Many Christians were also persecuted and killed on the stake. Christians were now punished if they didn't sacrifice to the Roman deities. The end of the Great Persecution is usually marked with the signing of the Edict of Milan in 313 CE.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This was a battle between the eastern and western empire for control over the entire area. The eastern empire was lead by Constantine, and the western by Galerius. The eastern empire won the battle, and therefore Constantine ruled over all of Rome. This battle is most famous for the link to Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Constantine had a vision from God that lead to his victory in the final battle, spurring his conversion to Christianity. The battle ended on October 28th, 312 CE.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a proclamation that insured toleration and acceptance of the Christian religion. It was a political agreement between the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius, and was concluded in February 313. This event lead to many people either converting to Christianity or accepting the religion. It also outlawed the persecution of Christians throughout Rome, and was one of the main factors for the spread of Christianity throughout Rome and even throughout the whole world.

Emperor Theodosius

347

Theodosius was the emperor of Rome from 379-395 CE. He was originally the emperor of the eastern empire, but united both parts of the empire throughout his rein. Theodosius was the last emperor of both eastern and western empires. He is well-known for making Christianity the official religion of Rome. However, he also imposed sever laws against polytheism that went against the Christian teachings supported loving one's neighbor. He died on November 8th, 395 and was buried in Constantinople.