Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

27 BCE

During the time period of the Roman Empire, the Jews and Romans cultures began to overlap in centuries in the Christian era. Jewish communities enjoyed privileges and thrived economically, which later than became significant to the empire's population

Jesus of Nazareth

6 BCE

Jesus of Nazareth is the important figure of Christianity. Christians believe he is the incarnation of God the Son and the awaited Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Old Testament.

Great Fire of Rome

64

In 64 AD, a huge fire swept across Rome destroying much of the city. Nero "played the lyre and sang" while watching Rome burn. Most historians agree that this is not true. However, there were rumors at the time that Nero had started the fire in order to make room for his new palace.

Paul of Tarsus

64

Commonly known as Saint Paul. He taught the gospel of Christ in the first century. He is considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. Paul was dedicated to persecuting the early disciples of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Perpetua

203

She was a noble Christian woman. She was 22 years old when she died. She was arrested with five others for taking classes to prepare a baptism. A mother of an infant she was nursing.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The Great Persecution was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. Romans saw Christians as a threat because they were bringing in a new religion in and the Romans thought that it would overthrow their Roman religion

Constantine the Great

312

The first Roman Emperor to change to Christianity and establishing the city of Constantinople. In his dream he was told that he would win the battle if he fought under the sign of the Christian cross. The next day he had his soldiers paint crosses on their shields. They dominated the battle, defeating Maxentius and taking control of Rome.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on October 28, 312. When Constantine defeated Maxentius, the path of Western civilization as it had been known, was soon to be changed forever.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius, that proclaimed religious toleration in the Roman Empire. The letter was issued in February, 313 AD, after the emperor Diocletian and stopped the unfair treatment of Christians.

Emperor Theodosius

379

Theodosius declared for Christianity to be the sole religion of Roman empire. Theodosius successfully fought two brutal civil wars against Maximus and Eugenius. The dynasty that ruled after his death ensured the continuity and emergence of Christianity which lasted throughout the middle ages.