Romans

Christianity Spreads Along the Mediterranean

Christianity kept spreading along Mediterranean sea in Asia, and also Europe by efforts of named and unnamed disciples of Jesus Christ.

Saul becomes Paul of Tarsus

Famous named hero is Saul who became Paul of Tarsus around 40 AD. He was a high ranking Jew who did not believe in Jesus Christ. In fact he persecuted and put lot of Christians in prison.

After the famous "On The way to Damascus", he encountered a miracle when Jesus Christ spoke to him and that changed him from a non believer to a strong believer in Jesus Christ.

He spread Christianity through west part of Asia, Cyprus, eastern and southern Europe by 100 AD and it continued growing.

Persecution by Roman Empire

Though in 1st through 4th centuries, Christians were persecuted (severe punishment or harassment on the basis of race, religion) by Roman Empire.

Emperor Constantine Accepts Jesus

In 313 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine accepted Jesus and became Christian. He issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity and ended the persecution of Christians.

This was a miracle since by following Jesus and Jesus's teaching of "forgiveness", enemy (Roman Persecutor) were defeated and they became Christian. Since Romans were kings and rulers of most of world at that time, it was truly a Catholic Church, i.e. Universal Church.

Catholic Church History

Catholic church history is very important in shaping Europe into modern era. This original Catholic church was branched out to several branches due to their geography or interpretation of "how Jesus Christ was Human as well as Divine".

Current catholic church is generally known as Roman Catholic Church since they observe Roman Rite. Current catholic church is one long continuation since around 300AD which by itself makes it the oldest institution still functioning.