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312 Battle of Milvian Bridge ­ Chi Rho on shields

313 Edict of Milan (persecution of Christians stopped by Constantine & Licinius)

325 Council of Nicea

330 Constantinople eastern Roman Empire capital, by Constantine

367 Easter epistle of Anthanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, listing 27 books of NT

380 Theodosius declares Christianity only legal religion in Roman Empire. Pagan sacrifices banned.

381 Council of Constantinople: updated creed.

431 Council of Ephesus condemns Nestorius (Bishop of Constantinople) who taught Christ was 2 persons: one human; one divine. Mary only mother of human part. Nicene Creed reaffirmed.

440-461 Leo I, the Great. Sometimes considered the first real pope. Asserts papal primacy. (Not to be confused with the Roman Emperor Leo I.)

451 Council of Chalcedon condemns Monophysitism (Christ had only 1 nature; no human nature). Nicene Creed reaffirmed.

476 Fall of Rome. Roman bishops help fill administrative vacuum.

637 Antioch conquered by Moslems.

638 Jerusalem conquered by Moslems.

642 Alexandria conquered by Moslems.

1054 Great Schism-split of the Catholic Church (Roman & Orthodox).

1517 Martin Luther's 95 theses.