Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

63 BCE

Roman general Pompey led the charge to take over the east. Pompey and his campaign took over Syria and Jerusalem. Rome besieged Jerusalem. The intent was to deplete Jerusalem's food and water supply. Rome then ruled Israel for a while after the siege.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

Also known as Jesus Christ. He was born in Bethlehem. Nazareth is the cradle of Christianity.Jesus was the central figure of Christianity. Supposedly the incarnation of God in human form.

Great Fire of Rome

64

A fire that set Rome ablaze for a duration of 6 days. Citizens expected that the fire was created by Christians but some suspected the current emperor, Emperor Nero. Emperor Nero discriminated Christians and supposedly he light his garden parties by lit Christian carcasses. It started on July 18,64 CE & ended on July 23, 64 Ce

Paul of Tarsus

64

Paul of Tarsus is also known as Paul the Apostle or Saint Paul. Paul taught the gospel of Christ early in the first century. He wrote letters about the relationship between the Divine and humans. These letters are still being used today in the bible. He is the most significant influence on Christianity after Christ himself. Supposedly he was decapitated for his faith in 64.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was a christian martyrs. She was a married Noblewomen. She was executed for being Christian. She was beheaded or decapitated. She was executed as a mother of a infant.

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

Also know as the Great Persecution of Diocletian. This persecution was the last and most severe of the persecutions of Christians. Even though it is call Diocletian's persecution is was ordered by Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius. It was ordered so that if Christians did not follow Rome's religion and their practices would be punished. Around 3 thousand Christians are estimated to be executed under imperial edicts.

Constantine the Great

306

He was an emperor between 306-337. Son of Flavius and Helena. He was the first christian emperor in Rome. He also created the Edict of Milan which legalized Christianity in Rome

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The battle was fought between Constantine 1 and Maxentius. Constantine came out victorious. This battle established Christianity as Rome's official religion. Constantine fought this battle with the symbol of a cross on their shields & supposedly switched to the cross because of a dream. Maxentius died by drowning in the Tiber River which the bridge crossed.

Edict of Milan

313

This Edict tolerates Christianity. It was created in Mediolanum or Modern-day Milan. It was an agreement between emperor Constantine and emperor Licinius. The agreement happened in February 313. This Edict allowed Christianity to spread throughout the region.

Emperor Theodosius

379

He is also known as Theodosius the Great. He was emperor between 379 to 395. He was also the last emperor to reign over both East and West halves of Rome. He campaigned against Goths and other barbarians who had invaded Rome's territory. He also created the Edict of Thessalonica, which made Nicene Christianity Rome's official religion. This Edict also shamed other versions of Christianity