Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

29

He was a teacher and a prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth. His life and service forms the basis of Christianity. Nazareth is a Hebrew term for cradle where Jesus spent his childhood, and youth.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

Many people believed that Nero started the Great Fire of Rome, but used Christians as a scapegoat. the fire began in the merchant shops around Romes chariot stadium, Circus Maximus.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

64

The Romans first started ruling Israel in 64BC from the region, Syria. During the new testament era, Romans ruled most of the known world. Legend tells us that Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus.

Paul of Tarsus

67

Paul was an apostle known as saint Paul, and also known as Saul of Tarsus. He taught the gospel of Christ to the first century world.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua was a Christian Martyr who wrote the Passion of Saints perpetua and felicity, which is a journal about her trial, and imprisonment.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Diocletian and one of his tetrarchs, Gallerias started killing Christians as a part of their project.this caused the Great Persecution in which several thousands of Christians were killed, including many of their leaders. even though this was one of the most trying times for Christianity, the religion was able to somehow survive and eventually triumph.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This battle took place between Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine won the battle and started path leading to tetrarchy and became the sole rule of the roman empire. maxentius drowned in the tiber during the battle.

Constantine the Great

313

Constantine first came to power when the four civil wars destroyed the tetrarchy. Christianity was never accepted until he made it legal and accepted. Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky, with a message, "in this sign, conquer." he promoted Christians in high offices, government, and special rights.

Edict of Milan

313

This was a letter signed by the Roman emperors, Constantine and Licinius, that proclaimed religious toleration in the Roman empire. This letter stopped the persecutions of Christians

Emperor Theodosius

379

Theodosius was a Roman emperor during 379 to 395 AD. He was the last emperor to rule over the eastern and western halves of Rome. He campaigned goths and barbarians who had invaded the empire.