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T I M E L I N E
The inhabitants of France and Britain learned to use bronze tools and weapons (rather than stone) | 2000 BC
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2000 BC
The Minoan civilization arose on the island of Crete | 2000 BC
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2000 BC
The Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians | 1600 BC
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1600 BC
The Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians
In time the Israelites grew in number and Egyptians were afraid of so many foreigners living among them. They felt that the Israelites were a threat to their internal security so they enslaved them. Pharaoh also ordered the midwives to kill all male children but they disobeyed.
In time the Israelites grew in number and Egyptians were afraid of so many foreigners living among them. They felt that the Israelites were a threat to their internal security so they enslaved them. Pharaoh also ordered the midwives to kill all male children but they disobeyed.
Civilization spread to mainland Greece | 1600 BC
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1600 BC
The Chinese invented a form of writing using thousands of characters | 1500 BC
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1500 BC
The Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt | 1446 BC
MOSES
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1446 BC
MOSES
The Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. He told Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. He told Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
Spies sent into Canaan | 1444 BC
MOSES
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1444 BC
MOSES
Spies sent into Canaan
God told Moses to send spies to explore Canaan. Two of them, Joshua and Caleb were convinced they could capture the land. However 10 spies reported that the Canaanites were much too strong to be conquered. The people did not believe that with God on their side they could do it. Instead they rebelled and refused to invade Canaan.
God told Moses to send spies to explore Canaan. Two of them, Joshua and Caleb were convinced they could capture the land. However 10 spies reported that the Canaanites were much too strong to be conquered. The people did not believe that with God on their side they could do it. Instead they rebelled and refused to invade Canaan.
In England Stonehenge was built in stages over a thousand years. It was completed at this time | 1250 BC
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1250 BC
The Greeks fought the Trojans | 1200 BC
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1200 BC
Saul became king | 1050 BC
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1050 BC
Saul became king
Until then the Israelites were divided into twelve tribes. However the people demanded a king to rule over them. So Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. Saul first defeated the Ammonites (a people who lived Northeast of the Dead Sea). He also fought a series of wars against the Philistines.
Until then the Israelites were divided into twelve tribes. However the people demanded a king to rule over them. So Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. Saul first defeated the Ammonites (a people who lived Northeast of the Dead Sea). He also fought a series of wars against the Philistines.
Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in a battle with the Philistines | 1010 BC
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1010 BC
Asa begins reign | 960 BC
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960 BC
The first civilization in South America arose, in Peru | 900 BC
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900 BC
Ahaziah begins reign | 886 BC
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886 BC
Athaliah begins her reign | 885 BC
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885 BC
Joash begins reign | 879 BC
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879 BC
Ahab ruled the kingdom of Israel | 874 BC
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874 BC
Ahab ruled the kingdom of Israel
Ahab was a wicked man. He married an evil woman from Sidon (in modern day Lebanon) called Jezebel. Ahab also worshiped Baal the weather god and built a temple for him. Furthermore Jezebel killed many of God's prophets.
Ahab was a wicked man. He married an evil woman from Sidon (in modern day Lebanon) called Jezebel. Ahab also worshiped Baal the weather god and built a temple for him. Furthermore Jezebel killed many of God's prophets.
Jehu ruled Israel | 841 BC
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841 BC
Jehu ruled Israel
He killed all of Ahab's family. He also killed the priests of Baal and the destroyed the priests of Baal. However Jehu was not a truly good man and he served God half-heartedly.
He killed all of Ahab's family. He also killed the priests of Baal and the destroyed the priests of Baal. However Jehu was not a truly good man and he served God half-heartedly.
Amaziah begins reign | 839 BC
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839 BC
Azariah begins reign | 810 BC
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810 BC
The Assyrians became a threat to Israel | 800 BC
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800 BC
The Assyrians became a threat to Israel
The Assyrians came from northern Iraq. After 900 BC they began building a great empire. The Assyrians were formidable soldiers but they were also infamous for their cruelty.
The Assyrians came from northern Iraq. After 900 BC they began building a great empire. The Assyrians were formidable soldiers but they were also infamous for their cruelty.
Jotham begins reign | 758 BC
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758 BC
Rome was founded | 750 BC
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750 BC
Ahaz begins reign | 742 BC
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742 BC
The Assyrians captured Galilee (the northern part of Israel) and deported many of the inhabitants to other parts of their empire | 738 BC
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738 BC
Hezekiah begins reign | 726 BC
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726 BC
Shalmaneser, ruler of the Assyrians captured Hoshea the last king of Israel | 725 BC
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725 BC
After a 3 year siege the Assyrians captured Samaria, the capital of Israel | 722 BC
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722 BC
After a 3 year siege the Assyrians captured Samaria, the capital of Israel
The Assyrians deported many of the Israelites from Samaria to other parts of their empire. Only the poorest Israelites were left behind.
The Assyrians deported many of the Israelites from Samaria to other parts of their empire. Only the poorest Israelites were left behind.
Hezekiah was king of Judah Hezekiah was a good man who trusted God and removed idols | 715 BC
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715 BC
Sennacherib the ruler of the Assyrians besieged Jerusalem | 701 BC
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701 BC
Sennacherib the ruler of the Assyrians besieged Jerusalem
The Assyrians boasted that no god had ever been able to save his people from their army. However during the night God killed many thousands of the Assyrian soldiers camped outside Jerusalem, saving the city.
The Assyrians boasted that no god had ever been able to save his people from their army. However during the night God killed many thousands of the Assyrian soldiers camped outside Jerusalem, saving the city.
Manasseh begins reign | 697 BC
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697 BC
Manasseh was king of Judah. Manasseh was an evil king who worshiped idols | 686 BC
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686 BC
A people called the Celts arrived in Britain. They introduced iron tools and weapons | 650 BC
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650 BC
Amon begins reign | 642 BC
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642 BC
Josiah begins reign | 640 BC
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640 BC
At this time Zephaniah prophesied that God would judge the surrounding nations | 640 BC
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640 BC
At this time Zephaniah prophesied that God would judge the surrounding nations
The prophet Zephaniah prophesied that the Assyrians, the Philistines, Moabites and Ammonites would all be judged. (Later they were destroyed by the Babylonians)
The prophet Zephaniah prophesied that the Assyrians, the Philistines, Moabites and Ammonites would all be judged. (Later they were destroyed by the Babylonians)
Josiah was king of Israel | 640 BC
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640 BC
Josiah was king of Israel
Josiah was a good man who ordered men to repair God's temple in Jerusalem. By accident they found part of the Old Testament there and Josiah tried to enforce all of its requirements. Josiah tried to rid his kingdom of idols. Unfortunately after his death the people went back to worshiping idols.
Josiah was a good man who ordered men to repair God's temple in Jerusalem. By accident they found part of the Old Testament there and Josiah tried to enforce all of its requirements. Josiah tried to rid his kingdom of idols. Unfortunately after his death the people went back to worshiping idols.
Babylon, one of the cities ruled by the Assyrians rebelled | 625 BC
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625 BC
The Assyrians were destroyed | 612 BC
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612 BC
The Assyrians were destroyed
The Babylonians and a people called the Medes from what is now Iran destroyed Nineveh the capital of the Assyrian Empire. So the Assyrian Empire came to an end.
The Babylonians and a people called the Medes from what is now Iran destroyed Nineveh the capital of the Assyrian Empire. So the Assyrian Empire came to an end.
Jehoahaz begins reign | 609 BC
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609 BC
Jehoakim begins reign | 609 BC
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609 BC
The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem | 597 BC
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597 BC
The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem
This time they took the king of Judah, Jehoiachin, prisoner and they placed Zedekiah on the throne as a puppet king. However Zedekiah rebelled and appealed to the Egyptians for help.
This time they took the king of Judah, Jehoiachin, prisoner and they placed Zedekiah on the throne as a puppet king. However Zedekiah rebelled and appealed to the Egyptians for help.
Destruction of the first Temple | 588 BC
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588 BC
The Babylonians captured Jerusalem again | 587 BC
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587 BC
The Babylonians captured Jerusalem again
Zedekiah was blinded and led away in chains. However this time the Babylonians deported all but the poorest people in Judah to other parts of the Babylonian Empire. They also plundered the temple in Jerusalem.
Zedekiah was blinded and led away in chains. However this time the Babylonians deported all but the poorest people in Judah to other parts of the Babylonian Empire. They also plundered the temple in Jerusalem.
Confucius lived in China | 551 BC
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551 BC
The Persians captured Babylon bringing the Babylonian Empire to an end | 539 BC
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539 BC
The Persians captured Babylon bringing the Babylonian Empire to an end
However the Persians conquered the people previously ruled by the Babylonians and they created their own empire to replace the Babylonian Empire. The Persians were a tolerant people and they allowed each part of their empire a certain amount of independence.
However the Persians conquered the people previously ruled by the Babylonians and they created their own empire to replace the Babylonian Empire. The Persians were a tolerant people and they allowed each part of their empire a certain amount of independence.
Cyrus, king of Persia allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem | 538 BC
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538 BC
Cyrus decrees rebuilding Temple | 536 BC
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536 BC
Rebuilding the temple began | 536 BC
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536 BC
Rebuilding the temple began
However the Samaritans offered to help. Zerubbabel the leader of the Israelites refused. However work soon stopped because of opposition from the Samaritans who were angry at being excluded from the work.
However the Samaritans offered to help. Zerubbabel the leader of the Israelites refused. However work soon stopped because of opposition from the Samaritans who were angry at being excluded from the work.
The prophets Zechariah and Haggai encouraged people to rebuild the temple | 520 BC
ZECHARIAH
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520 BC
ZECHARIAH
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520 BC
The Temple was completed | 516 BC
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516 BC
A woman named Esther bravely risked her life to save her people. Esther means star | 475 BC
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475 BC
Artaxerxes decrees rebuilding Jerusalem | 445 BC
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445 BC
The Greek philosopher Aristotle lived | 384 BC
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384 BC
Alexander the Great invaded the Persian Empire | 334 BC
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334 BC
Alexander the Great invaded the Persian Empire
Alexander quickly conquered what is now Israel. Later he completely destroyed the Persian Empire. However Alexander died in 323 without an heir. His empire was then divided among his generals. A Greek general called Ptolemy took Egypt and Israel.
Alexander quickly conquered what is now Israel. Later he completely destroyed the Persian Empire. However Alexander died in 323 without an heir. His empire was then divided among his generals. A Greek general called Ptolemy took Egypt and Israel.
Battle of Arbela | 331 BC
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331 BC
Work began on the Great Wall of China | 221 BC
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221 BC
Romans defeated Carthaginians from North Africa | 202 BC
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202 BC
Romans defeated Carthaginians from North Africa
The Romans defeated the Carthaginians (from North Africa) at the battle of Zama. Hannibal, the Carthaginian general later committed suicide. The Romans became the dominant power in the Mediterranean.
The Romans defeated the Carthaginians (from North Africa) at the battle of Zama. Hannibal, the Carthaginian general later committed suicide. The Romans became the dominant power in the Mediterranean.
The Seleucids captured Israel | 198 BC
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198 BC
The Seleucids captured Israel
After Alexander's death a general called Seleucus took Syria and Iraq. His descendants, the Seleucids later took Israel.
After Alexander's death a general called Seleucus took Syria and Iraq. His descendants, the Seleucids later took Israel.
A Seleucid named Antiochus Epiphanes (175-163) defiled the temple | 168 BC
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168 BC
A Seleucid named Antiochus Epiphanes (175-163) defiled the temple
He sacrificed to Zeus in the temple and tried to ban the Jewish religion. As a result the Jews rose in rebellion.
He sacrificed to Zeus in the temple and tried to ban the Jewish religion. As a result the Jews rose in rebellion.
After Antiochus the next Seleucid ruler granted the Jews religious freedom. However some Jews continued to fight for independence | 162 BC
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162 BC
Greece is made a Roman Province | 146 BC
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146 BC
The Jews won their independence. However it did not last long as Rome was growing increasingly powerful | 142 BC
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142 BC
Ptolemy, a Roman general captured Jerusalem | 63 BC
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63 BC
Ptolemy, a Roman general captured Jerusalem
From this time Israel was ruled by the Romans. It was divided into three parts, Galilee in the north, Samaria in the middle and Judea in the south
From this time Israel was ruled by the Romans. It was divided into three parts, Galilee in the north, Samaria in the middle and Judea in the south
Julius Caesar was assassinated | 44 BC
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44 BC
Romans allowed Herod the Great to reign as a puppet king in Judea | 37 BC
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37 BC
Romans allowed Herod the Great to reign as a puppet king in Judea
Herod was a cruel man but he tried to please the Jews by beginning to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. After his death one of Herod's sons, called Herod Archelaus ruled Judea. However he was so bad that in 6 AD the Romans removed him and replaced him with a Roman governor or procurator.
Herod was a cruel man but he tried to please the Jews by beginning to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. After his death one of Herod's sons, called Herod Archelaus ruled Judea. However he was so bad that in 6 AD the Romans removed him and replaced him with a Roman governor or procurator.
Octavian is Roman Emperor | 31 BC
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31 BC
Octavian is Roman Emperor
From 27 BC onwards he called himself Augustus Caesar.
From 27 BC onwards he called himself Augustus Caesar.
Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire | 30 BC
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30 BC
Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great ruled Galilee (the northern part of what is now Israel). Jesus called him 'that fox'. Herod Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded | 4 BC
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4 BC
Pontius Pilate was governor or procurator of Judea | 26 AD
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26 AD
Saul was converted and changed his name to Paul | 35 AD
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35 AD
Pauls ministry begins | 36 AD
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36 AD
Paul and Barnabas sailed to Cyprus and what is now Turkey | 46 AD
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46 AD
Paul made a third journey to Turkey and Greece | 53 AD
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53 AD
Nero is Roman Emperor. Nero is ruthless when persecuting Christians | 54 AD
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54 AD
Paul was arrested and spent two years in prison | 58 AD
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58 AD
Paul was arrested and spent two years in prison
Paul appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome by ship (on the way he was shipwrecked at Malta)
Paul appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome by ship (on the way he was shipwrecked at Malta)
The Jews rebelled against the Romans | 66 AD
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66 AD
Destruction of second Temple and Jerusalem | 69 AD
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69 AD
Jerusalem was destroyed | 70 AD
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70 AD
Domitian is Roman Emperor | 81 AD
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81 AD
Domitian is Roman Emperor
He unleashed a wave of persecution against Christians
He unleashed a wave of persecution against Christians
Persecution of the Christians | 312 AD
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312 AD
Persecution of the Christians
Persecution of the Christians and the suppression of the early Church under the Roman emperors which began in the first century, ended with the coming into power of Constantine the Great at the Milvian Bridge with the very famous 'Edict of Milan' decree, 313 CE
Persecution of the Christians and the suppression of the early Church under the Roman emperors which began in the first century, ended with the coming into power of Constantine the Great at the Milvian Bridge with the very famous 'Edict of Milan' decree, 313 CE
Jesus Christ co-equal to Father | 313 AD
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313 AD
Jesus Christ co-equal to Father
It was during the reign of Constantine that the idea of Jesus Christ as co-equal to God, the Father began to gain momentum. Yet, Trinity was not an established doctrine at the time.
It was during the reign of Constantine that the idea of Jesus Christ as co-equal to God, the Father began to gain momentum. Yet, Trinity was not an established doctrine at the time.
Triune god stirs controversy | 321 AD
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321 AD
Triune god stirs controversy
The idea of a triune god stirred great controversy within the Church as still many clergy and laymen did not accept the position of Christ as God. This disagreement reached the level of confrontation between Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, Egypt and his presbyter Arius. Bishop Alexander taught that Jesus was equal to God but not Arius. A synod held at Alexandria in 321 CE, Arius was deposed and excommunicated.
The idea of a triune god stirred great controversy within the Church as still many clergy and laymen did not accept the position of Christ as God. This disagreement reached the level of confrontation between Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, Egypt and his presbyter Arius. Bishop Alexander taught that Jesus was equal to God but not Arius. A synod held at Alexandria in 321 CE, Arius was deposed and excommunicated.
Arius: Jesus Christ is not God | 322 AD
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322 AD
Arius: Jesus Christ is not God
Arius, thought in institutional disfavor, still had much support outside Egypt. Many of the important bishops, such as the learned historian Eusebius of Palestinian Caesarea and his powerful namesake, Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia, theologically agree with Arius: Jesus Christ is not God.
Arius, thought in institutional disfavor, still had much support outside Egypt. Many of the important bishops, such as the learned historian Eusebius of Palestinian Caesarea and his powerful namesake, Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia, theologically agree with Arius: Jesus Christ is not God.
Nicene Creed | 325 AD
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325 AD
Nicene Creed
The sustained controversy disturbed Constantine and in order to legitimatize his position, he invited all bishops of the Christian Church to Nicaea (which is now in Asia Minor) in May 20th, 325 C.E. Thus, the Council of Nicaea began to settle the dispute concerning the relationship between God and His son. Constantine, who was in charge of the proceedings, exercised his political power to bring to bear the bishops to accept his theological position. The creed signed by 218 bishops was clearly anti-Arian. In other words, the Creed of Nicaea endorsed the Son as co-equal to God. Two hundred eighteen of the bishops signed this creed, although it was actually the work of a minority.
The sustained controversy disturbed Constantine and in order to legitimatize his position, he invited all bishops of the Christian Church to Nicaea (which is now in Asia Minor) in May 20th, 325 C.E. Thus, the Council of Nicaea began to settle the dispute concerning the relationship between God and His son. Constantine, who was in charge of the proceedings, exercised his political power to bring to bear the bishops to accept his theological position. The creed signed by 218 bishops was clearly anti-Arian. In other words, the Creed of Nicaea endorsed the Son as co-equal to God. Two hundred eighteen of the bishops signed this creed, although it was actually the work of a minority.
Constantine recalls Arius from Illyria | 328 AD
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328 AD
Constantine sides with Arius | 335 AD
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335 AD
Constantine sides with Arius
Constantine sides with Arius and exiles Athanasius to Trier.
Constantine sides with Arius and exiles Athanasius to Trier.
Eastern bishops meet at Constantinople | 336 AD
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336 AD
Eastern bishops meet at Constantinople
Eastern bishops meet at Constantinople with the emperor in attendance. This was the fourth council since Arius' return from exile to pronounce his theology orthodox.
Eastern bishops meet at Constantinople with the emperor in attendance. This was the fourth council since Arius' return from exile to pronounce his theology orthodox.
Emperor Constantius orders the return of Athanasius | 337 AD
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337 AD
Emperor Constantius orders the return of Athanasius
The new Emperor Constantius orders the return of Athanasius to Alexandria.
The new Emperor Constantius orders the return of Athanasius to Alexandria.
Athanasius flees Alexandria | 339 AD
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339 AD
Athanasius flees Alexandria
Athanasius flees Alexandria having learned he is about to be expelled as a heretic.
Athanasius flees Alexandria having learned he is about to be expelled as a heretic.
Two councils held in Antioch | 341 AD
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341 AD
Two councils held in Antioch
Two councils are held in Antioch this year. During the First, Second and Third Arian Confessions are written in an attempt to produce a formal doctrine of faith to oppose the Nicene Creed.
Two councils are held in Antioch this year. During the First, Second and Third Arian Confessions are written in an attempt to produce a formal doctrine of faith to oppose the Nicene Creed.
Council of Sardica | 343 AD
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343 AD
Council of Sardica
At the Council of Sardica, eastern bishops demand the removal of Athanasius.
At the Council of Sardica, eastern bishops demand the removal of Athanasius.
Athanasius returns | 346 AD
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346 AD
Athanasius returns
Athanasius is restored to Alexandria.
Athanasius is restored to Alexandria.
Anti-Nicene council | 351 AD
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351 AD
Anti-Nicene council
A second anti-Nicene council is held in Sirmium.
A second anti-Nicene council is held in Sirmium.
Anti-Athanasius council | 353 AD
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353 AD
Anti-Athanasius council
A council is held at Aries during autumn that is directed against Athanasius.
A council is held at Aries during autumn that is directed against Athanasius.
Council condemns Athanasius | 355 AD
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355 AD
Council condemns Athanasius
A council is held in Milan which again condemns Athanasius.
A council is held in Milan which again condemns Athanasius.
Athanasius is deposed | 356 AD
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356 AD
Athanasius is deposed
Athanasius is deposed on February 8th and begins his third exile.
Athanasius is deposed on February 8th and begins his third exile.
Third Council of Sirmium | 357 AD
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357 AD
Third Council of Sirmium
The Third Council of Sirmium is convened where it is agreed that the Father is greater than His Subordinate Son. (For those interested, the technical terms expressing these ideas, homo-ousios and homoi-ousios, which denote 'made of the same stuff' and 'made of like stuff', were avoided as being unbiblical terms).
The Third Council of Sirmium is convened where it is agreed that the Father is greater than His Subordinate Son. (For those interested, the technical terms expressing these ideas, homo-ousios and homoi-ousios, which denote 'made of the same stuff' and 'made of like stuff', were avoided as being unbiblical terms).
Christ is 'like the Father' | 359 AD
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359 AD
Christ is 'like the Father'
The council of Seleucia affirms that Christ is 'like the Father', but does not specify how the Son is like the Father.
The council of Seleucia affirms that Christ is 'like the Father', but does not specify how the Son is like the Father.
Council on Arius | 361 AD
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361 AD
Council on Arius
A council is held in Antioch to affirm Arius' position.
A council is held in Antioch to affirm Arius' position.
Christianity, official state religion | 380 AD
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380 AD
Christianity, official state religion
Emperor Theodosius the Great declares Christianity the official state religion of the Empire.
Emperor Theodosius the Great declares Christianity the official state religion of the Empire.
First Council of Constantinople reviews controversy | 381 AD
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381 AD
First Council of Constantinople reviews controversy
The First Council of Constantinople reviews the controversy since Nicea. Emperor Theodosius the Great establishes the creed of Nicea as the standard for his realm. The Nicene Creed is re-evaluated against Apollinarius (Christ is divine Logos but not human spirit). Holy Spirit officially become 3rd in Godhead member of Trinity. Nicene Creed reaffirmed.
The First Council of Constantinople reviews the controversy since Nicea. Emperor Theodosius the Great establishes the creed of Nicea as the standard for his realm. The Nicene Creed is re-evaluated against Apollinarius (Christ is divine Logos but not human spirit). Holy Spirit officially become 3rd in Godhead member of Trinity. Nicene Creed reaffirmed.
