Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

63 BCE

In 63 BCE the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem. The first Jewish-Roman War, a result of unease between Jews and Romans, began in 66 AD and resulted in much destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Many Jews were sold into slavery, and others became citizens of the Roman Empire. Julian, the only emperor to reject Christianity since Constantine, allowed for Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple in 361 AD.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Jesus is revered by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. Around 4 BCE he was thought to be birthed by the virgin Mary, which led to the speculation that he was a child of the Holy Spirit. Later on, around 30 AD, while observing Passover in Jerusalem, he was arrested, tried, and executed. His followers believed him to still be alive and spread these believes, beginning Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus

36

Saint Paul was a leading theologian during the development of Christianity. He wrote 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament. It is said that he was converted on the road to Damascus in 36 AD, and that after he rode thousands of miles spreading the word of Jesus. He was decapitated around 57 AD.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome was a massive fire that burned for six days and started in the Circus Maximus. The emperor at the time, Nero, was blamed for starting the fire, but he blamed it on the Christians. On July 25, when the fire was extinguished, 10 of Rome's 14 districts were burned.

Perpetua

203

After being caught in 203 with 5 other catechumens, Perpetua and her fellow Christians were sentenced to death in the arena. Perpetua began a diary that contained accounts of her imprisonment. She then passed on her diary before she was to be executed, so as to continue the story of martyrdom. The diary is still an informative read that draws in people from everywhere. After surviving attacks from wild beasts, Perpetua accepted death by sword.

Great Persecution of 303

303

Before the Great Persecution, empire wide persecutions were not that common. They normally occurred within cities of the empire, lead by that cities' governor. Co-emperors Diocletian and Galerius, in an attempt to unite the unruly empire that was Rome, began the Great Persecution, a persecution that would end up being the largest persecution against Christians ever seen. The edicts passed during this time spared Christians if they complied with traditional worships, but most preferred to die.

Constantine the Great

312

Constantine was a Roman emperor who helped spread Christianity. At the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine had a vision of the Christian sign with the message, "In this sign, prevail". He had his soldiers paint the symbol on their shields and they won. He also founded a new city, Constantinople. This city was to be the new capital of a newly Christian empire. He also helped create the Edict of Milan, which gave safety to Christians and others practicing different religions.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was fought between Constantine and Maxentius, a battle which left Constantine as the sole ruler of Rome. This also established Christianity as the empire's official religion. It was the night before this battle when Constantine was converted to Christianity. Constantine's army managed to force Maxentius and his army to retreat across the Tiber, a feat that left many dead from drowning.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a statement that protected Christians and those practicing other religions safety in the Roman Empire. It also returned any lost or damaged property to persecuted Christians who were still alive. The Edict of Milan was written by Constantine and Licinius, who met in modern day Milan to devise this statement, hence its name. Previous edicts had been short lived, but this one effectively established religious toleration.

Emperor Theodosius

379

In 379 AD, Theodosius became appointed as Emperor Graian's co-emperor. After battling with German tribes, he came to an agreement with them, that they could have land and provisions so long as they served under the Roman banner when needed. In 380, by the Edict of Thessalonica, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. It brought about the faith of the bishops of Rome and Alexandria. In 391 AD, Theodosius prohibited pagan sacrifices and visits to pagan temples.