Early Christianity in Greece and Rome

325 The First Council of Nicaea

330 Constantine dedicates the “Old Church of the Holy Apostles,” and declares Constantinople the new capital of Rome, or Byzantium, renaming the empire “New Rome.”

337 Constantine dies, having been baptized shortly before his death.

360 Julian the Apostate becomes Roman Emperor, and the last Roman Emperor to not be a Christian.

382 Pope Damascus, as leader of the Catholic Council, sets the Biblical Canon; lists prominent and important books from both Old and New testaments.

396-430 Augustine becomes Bishop of Hippo, and is later eulogized as the “founder of formalized Christian theology.”

400 Jerome’s Vulgate is published, translating almost all major books into Latin.

431 Council of Ephesus. The Council condemned Nestorianism, affirmed hypostasis and affirmed that Jesus was one person.

451 Council of Chalcedon.  It had the stated goal to affirm the reigning Catholic theology; it had also issued what was called the “Chalcedonian Definition,” of which decreed that Jesus is both perfectly human and perfectly divine, at the same time.

455 Sack of Rome by the Vandals.