The Rise of Christianity in The Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

30

He is the central figure of Christianity. Most Christians believe he is the incarnation of God the Son. He was prosecuted and nailed to a cross for leading and being christian. His death caused outrage among his people. Stories of him rising from the grave spread and gave christians hope and persecutors fear.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63

Rome took over Israel The Romans did not convert them instead the Romans allowed them to keep their religion but they had to obey Rome rule. Israel was mostly Jewish, this frustrated Roman emperors but, the emperors didn't want Israel to fight their control so Jews were given more palatable laws.

Great Fire of Rome

64

In AD 64 a fire spread across rome for six days. Nero the Roman emperor at the time blamed the christians for the fire and that they had set up protective measures around there part of the city were they lived that's why it wasn't burned. Nero then started the first persecution against the christians. Some historias credit Nero himself for lighting the fire just to be able to prosecute them.

Paul of Tarsus

64

Paul was jewish and was told to arrest Jesus. However jesus appeared to him in a great light. He became blind, but after three days his sight was restored by Ananias of Damascus and Paul began to preach that Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah and the Son of God. He became a disciple of jesus. He spread his beliefs of christianity across Rome.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a pregnant Christian noblewoman how was prosecuted for being a christian She wrote about her imprisonment and her trial and her father’s plea for her to deny her Christianity. When it came time for her death she handed off her diary to another christian. That christian spread stories of her suffering around rome and she became a christian symbol of bravery.

Great Persecution of 303

303

Last and largest prosecution of Christians lasted 8 years under the rule of Diocletian. Diocletian wanted to wipe out Christianity using insensitive ways, and tare down all churches. Thousands of Christians died.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

Roman Emperors Constantine and his soldiers had a vision sent by God to paint the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek, on the soldiers' shields. The battle late took place on Milvian bridge when Constantine won he attributed his success to Christianity.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was a letter signed by the Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius, that proclaimed religious freedom in the Rome. This stopped the persecution of Christians. Allowed all people Freedom to worship whoever they want to. Assured Christian’s legal rights. Gave property that had previously been taken away from Christians.

Constantine the Great

337

Under Constantine's rule, Christianity became the dominant religion in Rome. He called himself “Emperor of the Christians”. Historians don't know why he favored Christians. Constantine's decision to issue the Edict of Milan and cease the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire was a turning point for early Christianity.

Emperor Theodosius

395

Theodosius officially enforce Christianity but placed his power under the church. In 380 he announced that he was a Christian when he was terribly ill. He asked to put an end to the Arian heresy witch had divided rome for over a century.