Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

6 BCE

Jesus is the religious leader revered in Christianity. He is worshiped in this major religion. He is regarded by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. He died on the cross for the sake of the people.

Great Fire of Rome

64

Emperor Nero started the fire and blamed it on the Christians then mercilessly crucified them. Nero blamed the Christians so he could bypass the Senate to build Rome to his liking. He also burned down 10 out of 14 districts.

Paul of Tarsus

64

He traveled tons of miles around the Mediterranean to spread the word of Jesus. He came up with the doctrine that would turn Christianity from a small sect of Judaism into a worldwide faith that was open to all.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

70

This was the first Jewish Roman war. The Romans destroyed much of the Temple in Jerusalem and destroyed artifacts from the temple.

Perpetua

181

Perpetua is one of the earliest female Christian martyrs known. Martyrs were held in high esteem by many Christians, they helped strengthen and grow the numbers in the church. She wrote the Saints Perpetua and Felicity, which was a journal recounting her trial and imprisonment.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The Great Persecution was the last persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. After this a series of edicts were issued demanding Christianity to be legal by several people including Diocletian.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The battle fought at Milan Bridge had a crucial moment where Constantine experiences a dramatic event and converts to Christianity. This may have been prompted by a dream victory. HE also played an influential role in the proclamation of the Edict of Milan

Edict of Milan

313

Letter signed by Romans to end the persecutions and make Christianity a legal religion.

Constantine the Great

337

Constantine was the Western emperor. He was the first emperor to convert to Christianity. He then issued the Edict of Milan which made Christianity legal.

Emperor Theodosius

380

Emperor Theodosius was a Roman Emperor who was the last to rule over Eastern and Western halves of Rome. He issued the Edict of Thessalonian which made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire.