Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Jesus of Nazareth

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At the time Jesus was conceived, his mother Mary at the time was a virgin. According to the Bible, she “was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18; cf. Luke 1:35). Jesus is believed to be the son of God. Jesus' name is derived from Hebrew for "to deliver." His name in Heaven is Emmanuel (meaning: God is with us). Jesus is important bc of the message of eternal life from his crucifixion and resurrection.

Paul of Tarsus

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Paul of Tarsus, widely known as Saint Paul, was an apostle who in the first century taught the gospel of Christ. He founded the Church of Greece, Melkite Greek Catholic Church, and a couple of other churches. He died as a martyr and was executed by means of decapitation. Saint Paul died somewhere between the age of 61-65. Paul traveled all over Europe to spread the words of Jesus. He is an important figure for Christianity bc of his influence between the connection of God the Father and Jesus.

Roman Rule of Israel (begins)

63

Roman general Pompey started Roman rule in Israel in 63 BCE. Then Roman leader Titus defeated the last Jewish outpost in 73 CE. In the Siege of Jerusalem, thousands of Jews were killed. Not only Jews, but Jewish temples/monuments were destroyed. Even after the destruction, Judaism still survived and continued to grow. The land of Israel is considered Holy because of its affiliation with Jesus' birthplace, crucifixion, and resurrection.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

Emperor Nero set fire to Rome in 64 AD, he wanted to destroy the Christian population. He used the Christians as scapegoats for the crime he committed. The fires started the merchant shops near the Circus Maximus. Rome's largest chariot racing stadium created by Tarquinius Priscus, Rome's 5th king/emperor. 90% of the homes were destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome. The blame Nero placed on the Christians led to their downfall through the persecution but then their rise in religion afterwards.

Perpetua

182

Perpetua was a Christian martyr, she chose to be sentenced to death than to renounce her religion. Perpetua was decapitated and died at the age of 22 years old. She was considered a Saint and had an infant son during time of her death. She disobeyed the Roman governor by being a Christian. Perpetua died in Carthage, Tunisia. Perpetua is important to Christianity because martyrs helped unify and strengthen the Church and were considered and still today inspirational for sacrificing themselves.

The Great Persecution

303

Thousands of Christians and Christian leaders were persecuted. The Great Persecution was under the rule of Diocletian. Examples of persecution include, being beaten by animals, torture, being burned alive, murder, and many other ways. The Great Persecution was the largest and last grand persecution in the Roman Empire. Even after the great loss of many Christians, the persecution failed to destroy the growing religion and was able to survive.

Constantine the Great

306

Constantine made Christianity more valued then it was under Diocletian's rule. Constantine destroyed Diocletian's tetrarchy after a number of civil wars. He is most known for being the 1st Christian emperor of Rome. He met with Licinius in 313 AD, to create the Edict of Milan. The Edict of Milan made Christianity legal to practice within Rome. His impact on Christianity was allowing Romans to continue to practice the Christian religion.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The battle was between Roman Emperors Constantine and Maxentius. The battle was fought on a bridge over the Tiber River. The purpose of the battle was to be one of the steps to destroy Diocletian's tetrarchy. After destroying Diocletian's tetrachy, Constantine would become the sole leader of the Roman Empire. Constantine would rule from 337-306 AD. His actions impacted Christianity for Romans by allowing the freedom to practice religion when he ruled.

Edict of Milan

313

The Edict of Milan made Christianity legal within Rome. Leaders Constantine and Licinius signed the letter in 313 AD. The Edict removed all restrictions on Christian worship. Along with returning all of the property captured from the Church. It also insured that no more persecutions would happen against the Christians.The Edict played a big role towards Christianity as it allowed Romans to continue to practice it and push the rise and popularity of the religion.

Emperor Theodosius

392

Ruling from 395-379, Theodosius was the last Roman emperor to lead the empire as West and East. Theodosius went against Goths (nomadic German people) and other intruders who tried to destroy Rome. Goths had controlled the Roman Empire for decades until Theodosius campaigned against them. Theodosius issued the Edict of Thessalonica, allowing Nicene Christianity/Christianity the official religion of Rome; greatly impacting the practice of ancient Roman religion and the practice of religion today.