Outbreak of the Decian Persecution
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: The Ancient World, Prehistory-476
- Categories: Government and Politics, Religion, Ethics, Social Issues, Reform, and Protest
- Subcategories: Christianity, Christians, Churches, Empires, Dynasties, Emperors, Caesars, Khans, Discrimination, Prejudice, Massacres, Genocide, Torture, Roman Empire, Ancient Rome
- Curriculum: Italian History, African History, Middle Eastern History, Ancient History
- Geographical Location: Egypt, Italy, Carthage, Tunisia
- Date: 250
Article abstract: The Roman emperor Decius organized the first systematic attack on Christianity that encompassed the entire empire.
Summary of Event
The persecution of the church under Decius was the first systematic attack on Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. The earlier attacks, beginning with that of the emperor Nero, had been sporadic, local efforts, often prompted by mob pressure. Except for a brief outburst under Maximinus in 235 c.e., the church had enjoyed peace since the reign of Septimius Severus, a period of about forty years. In...
[The entire page is 1146 words long]