Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

4

Born 6/4 BCE and died in 30 BCE, Jesus of Nazareth was the religious leader of all of Christianity. He clarified what Christianity really was and became central figure of Christianity also because of his rise from the dead after being killed on the cross for everyone’s sins. He was prophesied to have a huge role in Christianity and still has that huge role, and he supposedly healed many and this helped spread the goodness of Christianity.

Paul of Tarsus

62

Born in 4 BCE and died in 62/64 AD, Paul of Tarsus was one of the most important religious leaders for Christianity after Christ
He was never respected as much as Peter and James and was compelled to struggle in finding his worth, but the fact that he survived and continued to spread Christianity made him a famous Christian leader. His role as both a Jew and a Roman citizen helped him spread Christianity. Paul originally persecuted the early Christians but later joined them.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63

The Romans took Israel in 63 BC and the adoption of Roman Christianity sprouted from Judaism in Israel. Judaism was the Christians main introduction to Christianity. The Romans eventually developed their own version but Judaism was the basis. The only difference between Judaism and Christianity is that Jews didn't follow Jesus as a religious leader. Christianity was also preached to Jews to try and convert them.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The Great Fire of Rome took place in 64 AD and lasted 6 days. Christians were persecuted and the leader of Rome (Nero) began the revolt against Christianity. Emperor Nero supposedly started the fire and set out to strike fear of Christianity. This began the persecution of Christians. People rumored that it was Nero who destroyed the city and somewhat sided with the Christians. Nero might’ve set people out to do it for him while he watched as the fire destroyed ⅔ of Rome.

Perpetua

203

After their deaths in 203 AD, Perpetua and her servant Felicity became Christian martyrs. Her and Felicity (with child) sacrificed themselves for Christianity and people then followed Christianity.
They died happily for the cause of Christianity, despite all the family and happiness they had. North Africa was almost like the center of Christianity but Emperor Septimius Severus wanted to destroy Christianity and Perpetua was one of his victims

The Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

It was 303 CE too when Constantine came to power. But Christianity was legalized in 313 CE. The persecution killed so many Christians and their leaders too, but since they survived they became well respected afterwards. Christianity eventually grew on most of the population, not with emperors before Constantine though. During persecution, Christians helped as many people as they could, even those who were not Christian and this gave them a good reputation.

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine ruled from 306-337 AD. Constantine had a vision and spread Christianity throughout Rome in his rule. Constantine did not previously believe in Christianity until his vision which changed the world. He was the emperor who had the Church of Holy Sepulchre built on Jesus’ tomb in Jerusalem. He was the first Roman emperor to believe and want Christianity in the Roman Empire. He eventually was worshipped by Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics as well.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

Constantine’s victory, prompted by his belief in Christianity, makes him emperor, in which he proceeds to convert Rome to Christianity. The sign of Chi-Rho (the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek) were painted on Constantine’s soldiers’ shields during the battle, as well as crosses from his vision. Happened on Milvian Bridge over Tiber River, could’ve affected outcome of war. Christianity was able to spread because of Constantine’s victory, and they believed in his vision.

Edict of Milan

313

Legalized in February of 313 AD, the Edict of Milan made Christianity and all religions tolerated. The actual letter and the words are not known now but it was a big step in Christian history. Constantine and Licinius (western and eastern emperors of Rome) later fought after the making of naming the Edict after the town of Milan, but Constantine won and kept the law. Although all religious freedom was allowed, Christianity was favored.

Emperor Theodosius

379

He ruled from 379-395 AD. Theodosius made Christianity the state religion and protected it from paganism and Arianism. He was the last emperor to rule both western and eastern halves of Roman Empire. Christianity was made the official state religion with the Edict of Thessalonica. Theodosius was born in Constantinople and he gained power from his father who was emperor before him. He fought the Goths and outside invaders, leader and victor of Gothic Wars as well.