Rise of Christianity of the Roman Empire

Judea Roman Province

6

This was big piece of land that covered old areas. The province of Judea was the scene of unrest at its founding in 6 CE during the Census of Quirinius, the Crucifixion of Jesus circa 30-33 AD.

Jesus of Nazareth

30

Jesus was a first century Jewish preacher and religious leader. Many Christians think the he is the incarnation of God the Son. Modern scholars agree that Jesus Christ existed historically. The birth of Jesus is celebrated on December 25.

Great Fire of Rome

64

The fire burned for 6 days until being put out. Many people claimed that the Emperor started the fire. Later Nero blamed the Christians for the fire starting the first persecutions of Christians. According to accounts Nero set out men to set the city on fire while he was playing a lyre. Rome's 14 districts 3 were completely burned and 7 were scorched and had some damaged ruins and 4 completely escaped the fire.

Paul of Tarsus

64

Commonly known as Saint Paul he taught the gospel to the first century world. Paul is considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. He took advantage of his status as both a Jew and a Roman citizen to minister to both Jewish and Roman audiences.

Perpetua

203

This is the earliest most known early Christian texts. It survives in Latin and Greek forms. Scholars generally believe that it is authentic although in the form we have it may have been edited by others.

Great Persecution

303

The great persecution was the last and the most serve in the Roman Empire. Christians were always discriminated early on. Some people saw Christians as a threat to the society. Edicts rescinding the Christians legal rights to make them comply with the traditional religion. Later in the religion at the end of the persecution Constantine came to power and favored Christianity.

Battle of the Milvian Bridge

312

The battle took place between two emperors Constantine and Maxentius. The bridge was an important route over the Tiber river. Constantine won the battle. The battle was the beginning of Constantine conversion to Christianity.

Edict of Milan

313

It was a letter signed by 2 Roman emperors. The letter was issued in February 313. After the letter the harmfulness towards Christians stopped and were favored by the emperor.

Constantine the Great

324

In 324 Constantine was the sole ruler of both east and west. Before he was sent to the east and went up in ranks in the military branch. In 305 he made it to the rank Augustus. He was made the emperor by the Ebrocam army after his father's death in 306. He restructured the government by separating the civil and military.

Emperor Theodosius

379

He was the last to rule both east and the west sides of the Roman Empire. He campaigned against goths and barbarians that invaded. He made Nicene Christianity the official state Church. After his death his sons took over the east and west halves and never re-united again.