Christianity in the Roman Empire: Key Figures, Councils, and Doctrines

Pax Romana

Long Roman peace that helped spread Christianity.

Emperor Constantine

First Christian emperor; legalized Christianity.

Edict of Milan

Law giving freedom to Christians (313 C.E.).

Battle of Milvian Bridge

Constantine's victory after seeing a Christian vision.

Julian the Apostate

Emperor who tried to restore paganism.

Emperor Nero

Blamed Christians for the Great Fire; began persecutions.

Pliny the Younger

Wrote to Trajan about how to handle Christians.

Emperor Trajan

Said punish Christians only if they refuse Roman gods.

Ignatius of Antioch

Bishop and martyr; urged unity of the Church.

Polycarp

Bishop of Smyrna; martyred for faith.

The Widow Felicity and Her Seven Sons

Family martyred for refusing idols.

Marcus Aurelius

Emperor who allowed Christian persecutions.

Decius

Ordered sacrifices to Roman gods; empire-wide persecution.

Confessors

Christians who suffered but weren't killed.

Official Certificate (Libellus)

Proof of sacrifice to Roman gods.

Cyprian

Bishop of Carthage; taught Church unity; martyred.

Novatian

Broke from Church; denied forgiveness to lapsed Christians.

Emperor Diocletian

Led the last and worst persecution.

Apologists

Writers defending Christianity with reason.

Celsus

Pagan critic of Christianity.

Tertullian

Early writer; first used 'Trinity.'

Justin the Martyr

Philosopher who explained Christianity; executed.

In this sign you shall conquer!

Constantine's vision before battle.

Donatists

Rejected priests who denied faith under persecution.

Theodosius I

Made Christianity the empire's official religion.

Anthony of Egypt

Founder of Christian monasticism.

Pachomius

Started first organized monasteries.

Rule of Saint Basil

Rules for Eastern monastic life.

Benedict of Nursia

Wrote the Rule guiding Western monks.

Gnosticism

Belief that secret knowledge saves; matter is evil.

Marcionism

Rejected Old Testament; two different gods.

Athanasius

Defended Jesus's full divinity.

Apostles' Creed

Early Christian statement of belief.

Apostolic Succession

Bishops trace authority to apostles.

Arius

Said Jesus was created, not equal to God.

Council of Nicaea

Declared Jesus truly God (325 C.E.).

Homoousius

Same substance (orthodox view of Jesus).

Homoiousius

Similar substance (Arian view).

Trinity

One God in three persons.

Apollinarius

Said Jesus lacked a human mind; heresy.

Nestorius

Denied Mary as 'Mother of God'; heresy.

Manicheism

Taught struggle between light and darkness.

Neoplatonism

Philosophy of the One; influenced Christians.

Ambrose

Bishop who defended Church over emperor.

Augustine vs. Pelagius

Grace vs. free will debate.

Augustine: The City of God

Teaches God's city is eternal, man's is temporary.