Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire
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In its first three centuries, the Christian church endured periods of persecution at the hands of Roman authorities. Christians were persecuted by local authorities on an intermittent and ad-hoc basis. In addition, there were several periods of empire-wide persecution which was directed from the seat of government in Rome.
This experience, and the associated martyrs and apologists, would have significant historical and theological consequences for the developing faith.
Among other things, persecution sparked the cult of the saints, facilitated the rapid growth and spread of Christianity, prompted defenses and explanations of Christianity (the "apologies") and, in its aftermath, raised fundamental questions about the nature of the church.
Decius
In 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome. Pope Fabian is martyred. Afterwards the Donatist controversy over readmitting lapsed Christians disaffects many in North Africa.
See also
- Martyrdom of Polycarp
- Acts of the Martyrs
- Perpetua and Felicity
- Scillitan Martyrs
- Victoria of Albitina
- Martyr
- New-martyr
- Christian martyrs
