Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Roman Rule of Israel (Begins)

63 BCE

In 66 AD, the first Roman-Jewish war began. In 63 BCE, the Romans conquered Jerusalem. By the time Rome took over Israel, the Empire was large, but it was spread thin due to the vast and quick expansion of Rome.

Jesus of Nazareth

4 BCE

He was a first century preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity. He was born of a virgin. Jesus was crucified by Roman authorities, but after 3 days of death in his tomb, he rose again.

Paul of Tarsus

10

Before his conversion to Christianity on the road of Damascus, Saul of Tarsus persecuted early Christians. After converting to Christianity, Paul became a very important disciple of Jesus and traveled thousands of miles all over spreading the message of God and Jesus. He died somewhere between the years 64 and 67 AD

Great Fire of Rome

64

The fire began in the merchant shops around Rome's chariot stadium, Circus Maximus. 10 of the 14 Roman districts were burned down by the end of the fire. Ancient historians blame Nero for the fire. Nero blamed the Christians for the fire. There are only 6 verified deaths from the fire.The Great Fire of Rome ended on July 23, 64 AD

Perpetua

181

Perpetua's diary gives us a glimpse into the moment when human beings were beginning to think of themselves, and their relation to the divine, in a new way. She was a Christian who was put to death in Carthage or her religious convictions. She died March 7, 203 AD

Great Persecution of 303 CE

303

The Great Persecution of 303 was the last and most severe persecution of Christians. Emperor Deoclecian started the persecution. As many as 3,000 to 3,500 Christians were executed by Imperial edicts. The Great Persecution ended in 305

Battle of Milvian Bridge

312

The Battle of Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius. It takes it's name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. Constantine believed the God sent him a vision of victory, and he ended up winning the battle. Constantine made Christianity the empires official religion as the sole Emperor.

Edict of Milan

313

It was made in the names of Emperor Constantine the first who ruled the western parts of Rome, and Emperor Licinius who ruled the Eastern parts of Rome. It was a mandate that legalized the practice of Christianity in Rome. In 380 Christianity became the official religion of the Roman empire.

Constantine the Great

324

Constantine the Great was the first christian ruler of Rome. With the Edict of Milan, he legalized Christianity in Rome. Constantine became the western Emperor in 306 AD, but he became the sole Roman Emperor in 324 AD. Constantine's birth name was Flavius Valerius Constantinus. He died May 22, 337 AD

Emperor Theodosius

379

He became the sole Emperor of Rome in 392 AD and then he died on January 17, 395 AD. He made emperor because of his military abilities. He settled the long-standing Gothic problem by letting the Goths settle south of the Danube as allies of Rome. He died of the medical disease swelling.