Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus played a huge part in Christianity. People believed that Jesus was the one true son of God. Jesus was arrested shortly after the last supper which is where he gave his last sermon. Jesus was crucified in 30 CE for spreading Christianity.

Roman Rule of Israel

63

The Roman Rule of Israel was important because Israel was the head of Christianity at the time. The Roman population was obsessed with everything Christian at the time. Once the Romans conquered Israel they quickly led Israel into the ground.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome was a fire that lasted for 6 days and destroyed over 65% of Rome. Historians believe that Nero started the fire so that he could blame the Christians. Nero supposedly hired people to keep the fire going.

The Great Persecution

64

Diocletian blamed the Christians for the economic downfall of Rome. Diocletian also blamed the Christians to unify the empire and instill a shared belief in the old gods. Christians were found and burnt at the stake. Before then the Christians were persecuted by Nero. They were persecuted for supposedly starting the Great Fire of Rome.

Paul of Tarsus

64

Paul of Tarsus (a.k.a Paul the Apostle) was one of the most important apostles after Jesus' death. Paul spent the rest of his life teaching people the Christian religion. Paul was accused of violating a temple. Paul was arrested and decapitated for his crimes.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a martyr. She was a young mother who was persecuted for her religious beliefs. People were upset at her execution because she was pregnant at the time.

Constantine the Great

312

Constantine was responsible for the rise in Christianity. Historians say that before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine looked in the sky and saw the sign of the cross. Constantine discovered his faith and won the battle. He shared his faith with the rest of Rome.

The Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was a battle between Constantine the Great and Maxentius. This was an important battle because if Constantine didn't win then he couldn't share his faith with the rest of Rome. Constantine was always meant to win the Battle because he established his faith in God.

The Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by Constantine and Licinius which allowed Christians to pursue their religion in peace. The Edict of Milan also put an end to the persecution of Christians.

Emperor Theodosius

380

Theodosius played a huge role in the rise in Christianity. After Constantine passed the Edict of Milan, Christianity was made legal. People were able to express their Christianity without being killed. Theodosius passed the Edict of Thessalonica which made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire