Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel

63 BCE

Rome became a great power in the area after Seleucides. They took Israel as a province after the Hasmonean Dynasty fell. By having Israel Romans were given greater opportunity to move between countries with ease because of Israel's placement. Though under Roman law the Jews were given several rights such as, not having to appear in court on the Sabbath and being excused from military service. This caused interactions between Romans and Jews relatively more genuine.

Jesus of Nazareth

33

Jesus Christ was born a little bit outside the town of Bethlehem in Jeruselum. He grew to be about thirty-three years old and during his short mortal ministry, he gathered many followers of which were the original twelve apostles. Because of Jesus Christ (aka, Jesus of Nazareth, The Lamb of God, Jehovah, etc.) the faith/church called Christianity was born for Jesus Christ was killed on a cross and three days later resurrected. The belief in this arose and so did Christianity.

Paul of Tarus

33

Paul (meaning "small") (formally known as Saul) was converted to Christianity and spent his life ministering and teaching the gospel throughout Crete, Asia, Macedonia, Spain, Jerusalem, and Rome. Paul wrote to many during his ministry teaching the gospel and helping in the conversion of others. Paul's death is not known but it is believed to be after the Great Fire of Rome and before the last year of Nero's rule.

Great Fire of Rome

64

This fire was from July 19, 64 - July 25, 64. The six-day Great Fire of Rome started in the Circus Maximus, spreading and destroying 10 of Romes 14 districts at the time. Nero, the emperor of this time was blamed for the fire for he lit people on fire as torches and was infamous for his gruel ruling. This was most likely not his doing for Rome was large and had a population of two million most living in slums that can easily catch and hold fires. All in all 70% of Rome ended in ruins.

Perpetua

203

Perpetua was an early saint of Christianity. She and her slave were sent to be killed by wild beasts but ended up surviving. Afterward, they were sent to be executed. During this executionPerpetua had to help guide the executioner's sword to her neck. Perpetua showed great strength and a strong testimony in her faith and set a great example for many Christians.

The Great Persecution

303

The Great Persecutions (aka The Diocletianic Persecution) was the last and most severe persecution of the Christians. This persecution's main goal was to wipe out Christianity, this was started by Emperor Nero and ended with Emperor Galerius after signing an edict of toleration granting the freedom to practice Christianity. This resulted in about 3,500 executions but ultimately resulted in growing testimonies of this religion and to Christianities legalization throughout Rome

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine the Great legalized Christianity, won the Battle of Milivian Bridge and created the Edict of Milan. He began his rule as emperor in 306, ruling until his death in 337. During this time he was converted when he saw a cross in the sky when going to battle reading, "in this sign, conquer". He later passed the Edict of Milan and created Rome's new capital Constantinople

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

This battle was fought between Constantine and Maxentius. Constantine had a vision of the cross with the words "in this sign, conquer", he then put crosses on his men's shields and went to war. Constantine won because Maxentius drowned, HE then marched on Rome.

Edict of Milan

313

Created February of 313 by Constantine and Licinius giving tolerance and equality to Christians within the Roman Empire. This gave all the freedom to worship the way they chose without fear of persecution or the state. It assured rights to Christians and other religions to organize churches and have material for it returned.

Emperor Theodosius

380

Emperor Theodosius ruled over eastern and western Rome. In 380 Theodosius issued the Edict of Thessalonica, this made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. He also became a convert, stopped persecution along with settling a problem with Goths.