The Revelation Timeline

Jesus Birth represents the beginning of the Gentile age, with year one beginning there.  Jesus was about 33 years old when crucified, then he released the Holy Spirit, and with His victory on the cross, a war broke out in heaven, Michael and His angels prevailed and satan was cast out of Heaven with His angels to the earth. He is wroth because the time is short. At the end of the age of the Gentiles, John see's the martyrs of the past roughly 2000 years, (I believe we are at the door now), then the tribulation begins. God gave an outline to all so we can see what has passed during this era, as well as to warn Christians and Jews alike of what to expect from the world until the time of the end.

The 6^th seal is broken which is the next logical step since the martyrs have been revealed, the great event that kicks it off sends a lot of Christians to heaven, either by fate or by trial on earth. Immediately following the great event, the 144,000 are marked for their testimony to mankind, the Antichrist comes into power and reigns with His kings for an hour, the first half of which is silent and calm. (at least for the non Christians)