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63 BCE
Begin of Roman Rule in Israel
As a large portion of the continuing expansion of the Roman Empire, they took over Israel, which was known as Judea back in those days. It wasn't a very pieceful rule though, as the Jewish people weren't very happy with their homeland being taken over. They continued to fight back, and annoyed with this, the Romans eventually banished the Jews from Israel in 139 AD. -
1 CE
Death of Jesus of Nazareth
More commonly known as Jesus Christ, he was referred to as the son of God, and was born to the virgin Mary. Jesus wandered throughout Rome giving advice to the locals and would live among them as one of their own. He was known for being able to perform miracles, such as turning water to wine, and the ability to walk on water. As he began to gain followers, the Roman Government became more and more enraged with Jesus, and eventually was torture and crucified. He is the base of Christianity. -
64
Great Fire of Rome
The Great Fire of Rome spread across the enourmous city, and while it didn't kill a large amount of people, it caused a large amount of property damage, destroying upwards of 60,000 buildings. The Emperor Nero was quick to blame the Christians, and prosecuted a large amount of them in the process. He supposedly threw some Christians to he beasts, and others were burned alive. The Christians were used as a scapegoat, as most historians agree that it was Nero who started the fire. -
67
Death of Paul of Tarsus
Paul of Tarsus, or most commonly known as St. Paul, was known for speaking about the good word of Jesus, and was partially responsible for bringing in the majority of early followers of Christianity, and helped continue to spread the religion throughout the region of Rome, and helped it become the extremely popular which it's become today. -
203
Death of Perpetua
Perpetua was a Christian martyr, which means that she was killed based off of her religious beliefs alone. She wrote a journal based off when she was imprisoned and was attacked by wild beasts, until she was killed by the sword. Her story outraged many people in Rome and helped rally the cause around Christianity. -
Period: 303 to 313
The Great Persecution
During this period of history, Rome was facing many different hardships, such as skirmishes with barbarians, and a large portion of the population fighting off the plague. So, in an attempt to united the citizens of Rome, the Emperor Diocletian killed several thousand Christians. While this was certainly a tough time for the religion, Christianity ended up not only surviving, but thriving beyond this point. -
Period: 306 to 337
Rule of Constantine the Great
Constantine had multiple claims to fame, one fact was that he basically built up the east end of the Empire, even naming the capital on that end after him, Constantinople. Another major factor was the fact that he was considered to be the first Christian Roman Emperor. He helped really push for Christianity to be nationally recognized, and no longer just pushed under the rug. He helped push and complete religious freedom for all, not just Christians. -
312
Battle of Milvian Bridge
Constantine the Great was on a quest, to take back Rome, which rightfully belonged to him. But, the entirety of Rome and Italy was captured by his brother-in-law, Maxentius. Constantine had slowly been adding to his army and conquering territory, until Maxentius met him at the Milvian Bridge. In the night before the battle, Constantine claims to have seen Christ and that he told him to use the sign of the cross against his enemies. Constantine went on to win the battle of the Milvian Bridge. -
313
Signing of the Edict of Milan
The Edict of Milan was a law, which provided religious freedom to all the people of Rome. But, the main purpose of this law was to stop the discrimination and persecution of Christians of the Roman Empire. This is also important because it was signed in by the first Christian Emperor of the Roman Empire, Constantine the Great. -
Period: 379 to 395
Rule of Emperor Theodosius
Sole Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire from 379-392, and the ruler of both east and west from 392-395, and was know for leading the major fight to push Christianity as the only religion of Rome, and was famous for being extremely intolerant of pagan religions, and would often violently suppress any pagan rebellions.
