Timeline

The Apostolic Age (33 AD)

33

The Apostolic Age (33-100 AD) started with Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection in 33 AD, marking the beginning of Christianity. Jesus gave his apostles the Great Commission to spread his teachings, leading to the growth of early Christian communities and the writing of the New Testament.

Council of Jerusalem

50

In 50 AD, the Council of Jerusalem took place. It was a meeting where early Christian leaders decided that Gentile converts didn't need to follow all Jewish laws, like circumcision. This was a big step in making Christianity more inclusive.

Persecution under Emperor Nero

64

Around 64-68 AD, Christians faced severe persecution under Roman Emperor Nero. After the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, Nero blamed Christians for the disaster. This led to widespread arrests, brutal executions, and public spectacles of torture, significantly impacting the early Christian community.

Martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch

107

Around 107 AD, Ignatius of Antioch, an early Christian bishop, was martyred in Rome. He was executed by being thrown to wild beasts and wrote influential letters to Christian communities on his way to Rome.

Irenaeus of Lyons & Development of Apostolic Succession

180

Around 180 AD, Irenaeus of Lyons emphasized Apostolic Succession, which asserts that Church bishops derive their authority directly from the apostles. This concept helped establish the legitimacy and continuity of church leadership.

The Great Persecution under Diocletian

303

From 303 to 311 AD, Emperor Diocletian led the Great Persecution against Christians, involving imprisonment, torture, and execution. It ended with the Edict of Toleration in 311 AD, allowing Christians to practice their faith openly.

Edict of Milan

313

In 313 AD, the Edict of Milan, issued by Emperors Constantine I and Licinius, granted religious tolerance in the Roman Empire, allowing Christians to practice their faith openly and restoring confiscated properties.

First Council of Nicaea

325

In 325 AD, the First Council of Nicaea was convened by Emperor Constantine I. It aimed to address the Arian controversy and unify Christian doctrine. The council resulted in the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that affirmed the divinity of Jesus Christ and established foundational Christian beliefs.

Theodosius I Declares Christianity the Official Religion of Rome

380

In 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius I issued the Edict of Thessalonica, declaring Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. This edict mandated that all Roman subjects adhere to Nicene Christianity, thereby solidifying its dominance and leading to the suppression of other religious practices.

Sack of Rome by Visigoths

410

In 410 AD, the Visigoths, led by King Alaric, sacked Rome. This event marked the first time in nearly 800 years that the city had fallen to a foreign enemy and symbolized the declining power of the Western Roman Empire. The sack lasted for three days, during which the Visigoths looted the city but spared many of its inhabitants.

Council of Chalcedon

451

In 451 AD, the Council of Chalcedon was convened. This ecumenical council was significant for defining the two natures (divine and human) of Jesus Christ in one person, a doctrine known as the Chalcedonian Definition. It aimed to resolve disputes and heresies regarding Christ's nature and helped shape orthodox Christian theology.