The History and Spread of Christianity (60-600 CE)

Emperor Nero

Infamously blamed Christians for starting the major fire that destroyed many Roman insulae in 64 CE.

Roman law against Christians

By 100 CE, there was a law condemning admitted Christians to death, although it was rarely enforced.

Emperor Decius

Ordered the execution of all Christians who refused to worship the Roman gods in 250 CE.

Emperor Diocletian

Split the Roman Empire into East and West in 284 CE and oversaw two waves of persecution against Christians.

Persecutions of Early Christians

From 284-311 CE, Roman mobs destroyed Christian churches, forcing many Christians to leave their jobs and the army.

Constantine

The first Christian Roman Emperor who led his army into battle in 312 CE and supported Christianity through his reign.

Edict of Milan

Issued in 313 CE, it made Christians' worship legal and gave Christianity the support of the Roman authorities.

Council of Nicea

Assembled in 325 CE to decide on the divinity of Jesus and confirm the belief in the Holy Trinity.

Theodosius I

Proclaimed Christianity to be the sole official religion of the Roman Empire in 379 CE.

Hagia Sofia

Finished by Emperor Justinian I in 537 CE, it is now the Aya Sofia Mosque in Istanbul.

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Occurred in 476 CE, impacting Christianity by providing new prospects for conversion and increasing the Church's power.

Pope

Rose to fill the power vacuum in Rome, becoming the supreme ruler of the Catholic Church.

Western vs. Eastern Christianity

Differences include governance, language, and church-state relationships, with the West being Roman Catholic and the East being Eastern Orthodox.

Roman Catholic Church

Based in Rome, it uses Latin, has celibacy for all clergy, and the Pope as its leader.

Eastern Orthodox Church

Based in Constantinople, it uses Greek, allows married priests, and is led by the Patriarch.

Baptism in Western Christianity

Sprinkling is the method used.

Baptism in Eastern Christianity

Immersion is required.

Communion in Western Christianity

Laity take bread only.

Communion in Eastern Christianity

Laity take both bread and wine.

Spread of Christianity

By 600 CE, Christianity spread to North Africa, Egypt, Italy, Spain, and France.

Constantinople

The city renamed by Constantine, serving as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Martyrs

Individuals who died for their faith, inspiring others to convert.

Christianity's Rise

The persecutions backfired on the Emperors as many Christians protected each other and remained secret.

Roman insulae

Buildings that were destroyed in the fire blamed on Christians by Emperor Nero.