Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel Begins

63 BCE

After a civil war occurred between two places in Israel, Pharisees and Sadducees, Pompey who was a Roman general decided to help Pharisees win. They did indeed win and Rome thought it would fine if they took over Israel and it's land by bringing it into the Roman Empire. Israel was heavily Jewish and the Romans were willing to accept their religion as long as they respected Rome and didn't get into trouble. During the time Rome ruled Christianity began to spread greatly.

Jesus of Nazareth

6 BCE

Born between 6 and 4 B.C. Jesus of Nazareth was one of the main leaders of Christianity. A carpenter born to Joseph, legal father and Mary, a virgin, Jesus of Nazareth became known after years of carpentry. He began to teach Christianity and shared Christianity through public ministry. He was a big reason for the adoption and spread of Christianity. Jesus of Nazareth died in 30 AD.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Born in around 4 BCE in present day Turkey and died around 64 CE. Paul of Tarsus did not like the new Christian faith and wanted to persecute those who followed Christ. Until he was blinded by a light. It is said that Jesus talked to him and asked him not only to believe in him and get baptized but to also share this faith. Paul of Tarsus was changed and began to travel and share Christianity leading to other places around the world adopting Christianity.

Great Fire of Rome

64

Nero, a roman emperor set Rome ablaze. Rome which was made of mostly wood, burned for 6 days. Groups were sent to stop people from putting out the fire. During the fire, attitude towards Christians was very negative. Nero did not like Christians and their monotheistic belief and this became an outlet for Nero that led to the persecution of Christians.

Perpetua

181

Most of what we know about Perpetua was found in her diary. 181 AD was her birth year and soon after she was put into jail. Her father tried to convince her to say she wasn’t a Christian to get freed but she did not. When her and her friends were put on trial each of them refused to sacrifice and did not deny to being Christians. They were later killed by wild beasts and sword which ended her life in 203. This was an event that led to the persecution of Christians.

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The Great Persecution was said to have taken the “heat” off Rome in it’s times of trouble. Christians had to practice their religion in the dark. Christians were beat, burned, eaten by wild beasts and 1,000’s upon 1,000’s were killed. Christians were thought to be a threat to the polytheism of Rome as they wouldn't worship or give sacrifices to the emperors and they only worshiped one God. Romans accused them of many things which then led to persecution.

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine the great became the Roman emperor in the west. Constantine was a fighter and he was also the first Roman emperor to be on board with Christianity after seeing a sign in the sky and a vision in his dream which he thought was the purpose for his victory in a serious battle. Constantine the Great was the reason why Christianity spread in Rome as he began to accept Christsianity and encourage it to be allowed.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

In the sign you will conquer are words that Constantine believed after seeing a cross in the sky and the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek, x and p in a dream. Constantine believed that his victory at Milvian Bridge was because of Christ so he started to respect Christians. Although, some believe that Maxentius' army could retreat across a temporary bridge of old boats back into Rome but Constantine charged his army and the bridge collapsed leading to Maxentius’ army drowning.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan gave Christians the freedom to practice Christianity and other religions. Signed by the Roman Emperors and being created by Constantine and Licinius who wanted to change the views on Christianity was when the spread of religion especially Christianity began to be shared and accepted throughout Rome and many other areas throughout the world.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Emperor Theodosius was emperor from 379 AD until 395 AD. He was an emperor of east and west Rome. Theodosius’ goal was to spread unity of faith throughout Rome. Theodosius after being heavily involved in military created a creed or edict that stated only those who believed in God, Son and Holy Spirit could be considered as Catholic Christians. Ultimately, he became an emperor of Christ.