Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63 BCE

The Roman empire was expanding, and it kept expanding into the eastern Mediterranean. Eventually, Rome conquered Judea. Rome let Judea be run by its own independent, Herod the Great. The people of Judea didn't always see the Romans, but it was clear that they were the source of power behind everything.

Jesus of Nazareth

6 BCE

Jesus Christ is seen by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. He was called a few different things, including Jesus son of Joseph, Jesus of Nazareth, and Jesus the Nazarene. More and more Romans started to believe in Jesus and Christianity and at first they were persecuted and hated for it but it eventually became legal and the official religion of Rome. Today, Christianity is the largest religion in the world.

Paul of Tarsus

4 BCE

Paul was born in Tarsus, and his name was originally Saul. and he grew up as Jewish, like his family. He began to learn about and hear about Jesus, and he persecuted Christians. Then one day Jesus came to him, and then he was baptized, and then he believed in Jesus and became a Christian and began to spread Christianity even more. His name was changed to Paul because believed that he had changes.

Great Fire of Rome

64

On July 19, 64 A.D., a fire started in the shops around the Circus Maximus. The fire burned for six days. It burned 10 of Rome's 14 districts and destroyed 2/3 of the city. Some people believe that Nero had the fire started so that he could build Neropolis. Others believe that the fire was started by something simple like an apartment fire that quickly spread. Nero blamed the fire on the Christians. After the fire, Nero arrested, tortured, and executed many Christians.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was Christian martyr who wrote a journal about her trial and imprisonment, then someone else continued the story after her death. This journal had been admired by both ancient Christians and Christians today. The text is one of the only documents written by a woman in ancient times that has survived today.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Diocletian became the emperor of Rome in 284 AD, and he published the four edicts of 303-304. He promised that he wouldn't "spill any blood". However, persecutions spread throughout the empire and several thousand Christians were killed.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

On October 28, 312 AD, Constantine defeated Maxentius and his forces during the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Mexentius' forces tried to run away by going over the bridge, but it became overcrowded and soon very dangerous. Maxentius was one of many people trying to win control of Rome, but Constantine defeated them all.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan was signed in February of 313 AD. It made Christianity legal in Rome. It also stopped the persecution of Christians, and made all things stolen from them be returned. After it was signed, Christians could also be elected for government and office positions and jobs.

Constantine the Great

313

Constantine was the emperor of Rome from 306 to 337. He made the Edict of Milan in 313 which allowed Christianity in the empire and stopped the persecution against Christians. He also built the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and made Sunday a day of rest for all citizens. He let Christians into government positions, and made a city, Constantinople, that was dedicated to Christianity and had many churches and held items that were special to the Christians.

Constantine the Great

313

Constantine became the emperor of Rome in 306 AD. In February of 313 AD, the Edict of Milan was signed. The Edict of Milan was made by Constantine. It stopped the persecution of Christians, and made Christianity legal. Constantine also made the city Constantinople, which was a city dedicated to Christians, and had many churches and held important artifacts.

Emperor Theodosius

380

Theodosius was the Roman emperor from 379 to 395 CE. In 380, Emperor Theodosius made the Edict of Thessalonica. This made Christianity the official religion of Rome. Theodosius also tried to get rid of other forms like Arianism. He even authorized their persecution.