Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

64 BCE

The Roman general Pompey established the Roman province of Syria and conquered Jerusalem. Julius Caesar defeated Pompey in 45 BC. This impacted the growth of Christianity through Rome because Israelite's could practice their religion under the rule of Romans, spreading the religion throughout the Roman empire.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus was a Jewish preacher who the Christians thought to be the son of God (stated in the First Testament). Christianity was based off of Jesus' teachings, his birth, and his death. When Jesus died, the religion started spreading around, eventually reaching the ROman empire and spreading throughout it.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome burnt for six days, burning over 60% percent of the city down. The leader of the Roman Empire, Nero, was thought to have started the fire because the Senate wouldn't let him rebuild the city. Nero used Christians as a scapegoat to blame the fire on.

Paul of Tarsus

67

Otherwise known as Paul the Apostle, taught biblical teachings and Christianity to people in the first century. Paul the Apostle is thought of to be one of the most influencial people in the Apostolic age. He accelerated the spread and growth of Christianity by teaching it to many different people.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a very famous Martyr during the third century who died in 203. She is said to have been 22 when she died, being the mother of an infant. She was put to death with other Christians in Africa, a Roman province. Her courage and bravery inspired other Christians to overcome this rough time

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The last major persecution in Rome of the Christians. Different emperors such as Diocletian, Maximian, and Galerius signed an edict in 303 rescinding the rights of the Christians. During this time, thousand of Christians were hanged for their beliefs, burnt at the stake, or thrown to wild animal. This was due to the law that required them to believe in the Roman gods

Constantine the Great

306

A Roman emperor that ruled from 306 to 337 CE. Led the Roman army in the battle of Milvian. This is where he saw a cross in the sky. Constantine then went on to sign the Edict of Milan, giving all Romans the right to practice any religion freely.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was fought between Constantine and Maxentius. During the battle he and his army supposedly saw a cross in the sky. There also appeared to be words that said "In this sign conquer" This lead him to the thought that all Christians should have the freedom to practice their religion

Edict of Milan

313

An agreement, signed by Constantine and Licindius, both Roman emperors. This agreement allowed all citizens of Rome freedom of religion. Constantine agreed to signing this because he believed the vison of the cross he saw in the sky was the reason he won the battle of Milivian.

Emperor Theodosius I

379

Ruler of Rome from 379 CE to 395 CE. He was the last ROman ruler to control both the East and Western sides of Rome. He officially made the Nicene Christianity the official state church of the Roman Empire, making Christianity's popularity in Rome go up a lot.