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63 BCE
Roman Rule of Israel
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30
Jesus of Nazareth
Virgin Mary was mother and born in barn. Arrested by Jewish police, sent to Romans where he was crucified. Center figure in Christian religion. Followers believed he rose from the dead. -
35
Paul of Tarsus
Developed a ton of churches in Asia Minor and Europe. He was a Roman citizen and was Jewish. Approximately 13/27 books in the New Testament are attributed to Paul of Tarsus, focused on Crucifixion and Christ's resurrection. -
64
Great Fire of Rome
2/3 of Rome was burned down over 6 days. Christians were blamed because their part of town wasn't burned. It turned out that the Emperor Nero burned down the city to rebuild it how he wanted. A famous account says that he saw Nero playing his fiddle as he watched Rome burn. -
203
Perpetua
Christian Martyr, showed courage and faith when she admitted she was Christian, she made a sacrifice by leaving her child, and was slain in an arena -
303
Great Persecution of 303 CE
Due to economic crisis, most severe prosecution of the Christians. Forced Christians to comply with traditional Roman religion. Christians thrown into the Coliseum, burned to death. -
310
Constantine the Great
Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He had a vision, "in hoc signo vinces", he won the day and became ruler of the empire. Created Edict of Milan, stopped persecution of Christians. -
312
Battle of Milvian Bridge
Constantine vs. Makmentius. Bridge over Tiber river. Battle that lead Constantine to be leader of Rome, dedicates win to Christian religion. Said he had a vision, "in this sign, you will conquer". -
313
Edict of Milan
Freedom/toleration of religion in Rome, ended the persecution of Christians. Constantine I and Licinius signed it. Allowed restoration of Christian churches, special favors to members. -
379
Emperor Theodosius
Last emperor of the United Roman Kingdom. Christianity became state religion under his rule. Went against Gauls and barbarians, but ran out of resources. After he died, chaos ensued with young and inept rulers.