Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

40 BCE

Rome took control over Israel which was mainly Jewish which contributed to Christianity in Rome
-At the beginning Israel was resilient because of their lack of power
-Rome wanted to spread Roman culture, especially to Israel
-Romans destroyed Jewish Temples and
-Several important Christian figure were Jewish including Jesus
-Rome took a toll on life in Israel but they eventually recovered by about 70 CE

Jesus of Nazareth

1 CE

Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure of Christianity and lived in Rome
-Jesus was persecuted by the Romans for treason
-Jesus was worshiped like a god and was known for having communication with the Christians
-Supposedly was resurrected and resurrected others

-Jesus was actually known as a troublemaker around Rome
-He died on either April 7, 30 AD or April 3, 33 AD

Great Fire Of Rome

64

The great fir of Rome was important because it was the beginning of Romans hating Christians. The fire started on July 19, 64 CE and went on for 6 days.
- ancient historians believed it was caused by the problematic, Emperor Nero.
- However, Nero blamed it on Christians
- Christians were a rebellious new cult and an easy target.
- 10 out of 14 Roman districts were burned
- Nero was rumored to be fiddling while the city burned

Paul of Tarsus

67

Paul of Tarsus or, Paul the Apostle, taught the gospel of Christ
-Known as the most important historical, Christian figure after Jesus
-He traveled all over the Mediterranean to spread Christianity
-He was probably one of the main reasons the ancient world became mainly Christian
-He died of decapitation
-He died in either 64CE or 67CE

Perpetua

181

Perpetua was killed for her Christian beliefs and was idolized by Christians for her faith.
-Perpetua and her slave, Felicity were both pregnant and put to death
-Perpetua survived so was put to death with a sword
-She was so influential because she was fearless when being persecuted
-She was one of the reasons Romans began to believe in Christianity because of her complete faith and fearlessness
-When she was about to be killed, she guided her killers hand with the knife toward her own throat.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Many Christians were Persecuted in this time and killed in the public view
-Last and biggest persecution of Christians in ancient Rome
-An estimated 3,000-3,500 Christians were executed
-Also known as the Diocletian Persecution
-Emperor Diocletian wanted Christians to follow a more traditional Roman religion
-Lasted from years 303 CE- 313 CE

Constantine the Great

305

Constantine was a Roman emperor who was the first Roman authority to defend Christianity, he made it legal to follow any religion you want.
- He had a vision that caused him to start following Christianity, the sign said "By this symbol, you will conquer"
- He managed to cease the persecutions of Christians in Rome
- He granted many privileges to the Christian community of Rome and financially supported them
-He created the Edict Of Milan
-Was born in 280CE but came to power in 305CE

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This battle was between Constantine and Maxentius and is known as the reason Constantine converted to Christianity
-Constantine won the battle
-Aftermath was Constantine went on to be the sole leader of Rome
-During this battle, Constantine had his vision that gave him faith in the Christian religion
-Constantine and Maxentius were both emperors at the time of the battle
-Took place on October 28, 312

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan, created by Constantine, was made to give the Romans a right to practice any religion of choice and to protect Christians
-Constantine created the Edict of Milan shortly after his victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge
-Transition to the Christian empire
-Ended Christian prosecutions in Rome
-Contributed to the longevity of the Roman Empire because it made people more safe
-Served as protection over Roman Christians

Emperor Theodosius

379

Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire
-He ruled over both the Eastern and Western regions of Rome
-When he died, Rome split into East and West regions
-He allowed Christian followers to relocate and stopped persecution
-Theodosius was made emperor because of his excellent military abilities
-He was born in 347 and died in 395 but became emperor in 379