Byzantine Rule

(313-636)

Sporadic persecution of Christianity by Rome: to 311

Origen (Christian scholar, biblical interpreter): fl. 200-254

Because of his health, Judah HaNasi relocates the center of Jewish learning from Beth Shearim to Sepphoris: 203

Emperor Caracalla enfranchises all Jews within Roman empire, allowing them to become full citizens: 212

Babylonian Jewish Academy founded at Sura by Rab: ca. 220

Roman emperor Alexander Severus's resepct for Jews and lenient treatment towards them enables Judah II to sucessfully press for greater Jewish rights, including the right to visit Jerusalem: 222-235

Amoraim, or Mishna scholars, flourish. The Amoraim's commentary, along with the Mishna, comprises the Talmud: 220-470

Rise of Mani/Manichaean World Religion synthesis: 240-276

Babylonian Jews flourish (as does Manichaeism) under Persian King Shapur I: ca. 250

Early development of Christian monasticism in Egypt: 250-330

Eusebius (Christian author, historian): 263-339

Violent persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian: 303

One of the first Christian councils, the Council of Elvira, forbids intermarriage and social interaction with Jews: 306

Emperor Constantine embraces Christianity, announces Edict of Toleration: 312/313

Code of Constantine limits rights of non-Christians, is Constantine's first anti-Jewish act: 315

Return to the Timeline

• The Dawn of “History” ca. 3000 B.C.E.
• Context of Ancient Israelite Religion (ca. 2000-587 B.C.E.)
• Judaism After the Babylonian Exile (ca. 538 B.C.E.-70 CE)
• Rule of Rome (ca. 146 B.C.E.-400 C.E.)
• Early Christian Period of Development (30-311 C.E.)
• Rabbinic Jewish Period of Talmud Development (70-400/600 C.E.)
• Byzantine Rule (313-636)
• Consolidation & Dominance of Classical Christianity (325-590)
• “Medieval” Period in the West (ca. 600-1500)
• Reception & Classical Development of Muhammad's Islamic Message (570-1258)
• Crusades (1095-1258)
• Further Transitions and Rebuilding of Political Islam (1258-1500)
• Mamluk Rule (1291-1516)
• Reformation and Post-Reformation Christian Period (1517-1569)
• Dominance of Ottoman Muslim Empire in Turkey (1500-1920)
• Jewish Modern and Contemporary Periods (ca. 1700-1917)
• British Rule in Palestine (1918-47)
• Modern Israel & the Diaspora (1947-2004)
• Timeline for the History of Jerusalem (4500 B.C.E.-Present)