13.2 Persecution and martyrdom
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Christianity faced severe challenges during the 's . Emperor 's edicts targeted Christians, destroying their property and forcing them to worship Roman gods. This period saw widespread , , and of Christians who refused to comply.
The in 313 CE marked a turning point, granting to Christians. This led to the rise of , with their stories and relics becoming central to Christian worship. The , starting from 284 CE, commemorates this era of persecution and .
Persecution of Christians
Diocletian's Persecution and the Great Persecution
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- Diocletian, Roman emperor from 284 to 305 CE, initiated a series of edicts against Christians starting in 303 CE
- Edicts ordered the destruction of Christian scriptures, churches, and property, and prohibited Christians from assembling for worship
- Christians were required to sacrifice to Roman gods or face imprisonment, torture, and execution
- The persecution reached its peak in 304 CE, becoming known as the Great Persecution, the most severe and widespread persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire
- The persecution was enforced inconsistently across the empire, with some areas experiencing more intense persecution than others (Egypt, Palestine, and North Africa)
Edict of Milan and the End of Persecution
- In 311 CE, issued an edict of toleration, ending the persecution of Christians
- The Edict of Milan, issued by Emperors Constantine and Licinius in 313 CE, granted religious tolerance and restored property confiscated from Christians during the persecution
- The Edict of Milan marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity, paving the way for its eventual establishment as the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380 CE under Emperor Theodosius I
Christian Martyrs
Martyrdom and the Veneration of Martyrs
- Many Christians were martyred during the persecutions, refusing to renounce their faith and choosing to die rather than sacrifice to Roman gods
- Martyrs were highly revered in early Christian communities, seen as examples of unwavering faith and devotion to Christ
- The stories and relics of martyrs became central to Christian worship and devotion, with becoming sites of pilgrimage and veneration ( in Egypt)
Catacombs and the Burial of Martyrs
- , underground burial chambers, were used by early Christians to bury their dead, including martyrs
- The catacombs served as places of worship and commemoration, with the tombs of martyrs often decorated with inscriptions, symbols, and frescoes depicting their lives and deaths
- The catacombs of Alexandria in Egypt, dating back to the 1st century CE, are among the oldest and most extensive in the world, containing thousands of burial chambers and artwork depicting early Christian themes and martyrs
Coptic Calendar and the Anno Martyrum
- The Coptic calendar, used by the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, is based on the (AM), or "Year of the Martyrs"
- The Anno Martyrum era begins on August 29, 284 CE, the ascension of Emperor Diocletian, whose reign marked the beginning of the Great Persecution
- The Coptic calendar commemorates the sacrifices of the martyrs and serves as a reminder of the persecution faced by early Christians in Egypt and throughout the Roman Empire
- The calendar consists of 13 months, with 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month of 5 or 6 days, depending on the year (leap years have 6 days in the 13th month)
Key Terms to Review (22)
Anno martyrum: Anno martyrum, meaning 'in the year of the martyrs,' is a calendar system established by early Christians to mark the years based on the deaths of Christian martyrs. This dating system was particularly significant in the context of persecution and martyrdom, as it helped commemorate the sacrifices made by those who suffered for their faith and provided a way to unite believers in shared history and resilience against oppression.
Catacombs: Catacombs are underground burial places that were commonly used by early Christians in the Roman Empire, particularly during periods of persecution. These subterranean networks served as both burial sites and places of worship, providing a safe haven for Christians to honor their dead while avoiding detection from Roman authorities. The catacombs symbolize the struggle and resilience of early Christians amidst persecution and martyrdom.
Coptic Calendar: The Coptic calendar is a solar calendar used by the Coptic Orthodox Church, consisting of 13 months: 12 months of 30 days each and an additional month of 5 or 6 days depending on whether it's a leap year. This calendar is significant as it reflects the ancient Egyptian calendar and is still utilized in the liturgical practices of the Coptic Church, marking important religious events and seasons.
Diocletian: Diocletian was a Roman emperor who ruled from 284 to 305 CE and is best known for his significant reforms that transformed the Roman Empire into a more autocratic and bureaucratic state. His reign marked the beginning of the Tetrarchy, a system that divided the empire into four regions governed by co-emperors. This restructuring was partly a response to the empire's challenges, including economic instability and military threats, which ultimately led to intensified persecution of Christians during his rule.
Edict of Milan: The Edict of Milan was a proclamation issued in 313 CE by the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Licinius, granting religious tolerance to Christians and restoring confiscated properties to them. This landmark decree marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity, as it ended the persecution of Christians that had been prevalent during the Roman Empire, allowing the faith to flourish openly and contributing to its eventual establishment as the dominant religion in the empire.
Emperor Constantine: Emperor Constantine, also known as Constantine the Great, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 306 to 337 AD. He is best known for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and for establishing it as a favored religion within the empire, leading to significant changes in the treatment of Christians and their practices during a time of persecution and martyrdom.
Emperor Galerius: Emperor Galerius was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 305 to 311 AD, known for his role in the persecution of Christians and his later edict of toleration. Initially, he was a fierce opponent of Christianity, contributing to the Great Persecution, but towards the end of his reign, he issued an edict that recognized Christianity and granted some degree of religious freedom, marking a significant shift in imperial policy.
Emperor Licinius: Emperor Licinius was a Roman Emperor who ruled from AD 308 to 324, primarily known for his reign in the Eastern Roman Empire during the Tetrarchy. His rule is particularly significant in the context of the early Christian persecutions and his eventual conflict with Constantine the Great, which culminated in the Battle of Chrysopolis and Licinius's defeat.
Execution: Execution refers to the act of carrying out a death sentence imposed by a legal authority. This term is significant in discussions of persecution and martyrdom as it highlights the extreme measures taken against individuals for their beliefs or actions, often in contexts where their ideologies challenge the status quo. The consequences of execution extend beyond the individual to affect communities, provoke social unrest, and contribute to historical narratives surrounding oppression and resistance.
Great persecution: The great persecution refers to a significant and systematic campaign of oppression against Christians in the Roman Empire, primarily during the reign of Emperor Diocletian from 303 to 311 CE. This period marked one of the most intense phases of anti-Christian sentiment, characterized by state-sponsored violence, torture, and executions aimed at eradicating Christianity and restoring traditional Roman religious practices. The great persecution had profound effects on Christian communities, fostering a spirit of martyrdom and resilience among believers.
Imprisonment: Imprisonment refers to the state of being confined or restricted in a space, typically as a form of punishment or detention. In historical contexts, it often involved the incarceration of individuals for political or religious reasons, leading to significant consequences for social and economic dynamics. Imprisonment played a crucial role in the persecution of individuals deemed threats to the state or dominant religious authorities, frequently resulting in martyrdom for those who suffered due to their beliefs or practices.
Martyr veneration: Martyr veneration is the practice of honoring and remembering individuals who have suffered persecution and died for their faith, often seen as heroic figures within a religious community. This concept is deeply intertwined with the narratives of persecution and martyrdom, as it serves to reinforce the beliefs and values of the community while providing a sense of hope and continuity in the face of oppression.
Martyrdom: Martyrdom refers to the suffering, persecution, or death endured by individuals who refuse to renounce their beliefs, often in the context of religious faith. This term encapsulates the concept of bearing witness to one's faith, frequently resulting in a revered status for the individual within their community. The idea of martyrdom connects deeply with themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the ultimate demonstration of commitment to one's convictions.
Martyrs' tombs: Martyrs' tombs are burial sites dedicated to individuals who sacrificed their lives for their faith, often recognized for their unwavering commitment to their religious beliefs in the face of persecution. These tombs served not only as memorials but also as places of veneration, where the faithful could pay homage and seek inspiration from the lives of the martyrs. Their significance grew during periods of intense persecution, as they represented both a testament to faith and a rallying point for the community.
Persecution of Christians under Diocletian: The Persecution of Christians under Diocletian refers to a series of state-sponsored campaigns against Christians in the Roman Empire that occurred from 303 to 311 CE, initiated by Emperor Diocletian. This persecution was the most severe and systematic of its time, marking a significant chapter in early Christian history and emphasizing the conflicts between Roman pagan traditions and the growing Christian faith.
Pilgrimage sites: Pilgrimage sites are locations that hold religious significance, where individuals travel to seek spiritual fulfillment, guidance, or healing. These sites often become centers for communal worship and reflect the faith and cultural practices of those who visit. Pilgrimage can also serve as a form of resistance against persecution and a way for martyrs' memories to be honored and celebrated.
Religious tolerance: Religious tolerance is the acceptance and allowance of diverse religious beliefs and practices without discrimination or persecution. This concept is crucial in societies where multiple religions coexist, fostering peace and understanding while reducing conflicts that can arise from differing beliefs. It serves as a foundation for social harmony and respect among various faiths, particularly in contexts where certain groups face persecution or martyrdom for their beliefs.
Roman Empire: The Roman Empire was a vast and powerful ancient civilization that dominated much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East from 27 BC to AD 476 in the West, and until 1453 in the East. It is known for its extensive political and social structure, engineering feats, and cultural influence, including the spread of Christianity which eventually led to significant events surrounding persecution and martyrdom.
Saint Menas: Saint Menas is a Christian martyr from the 4th century, celebrated particularly in Egypt for his steadfast faith in the face of persecution. His story resonates with themes of martyrdom and resilience during a time when Christians faced significant oppression under Roman rule, ultimately leading to his veneration as a saint and a symbol of hope for believers enduring persecution.
Torture: Torture is the act of inflicting severe pain or suffering on an individual, often to extract information or as a form of punishment. In historical contexts, especially in relation to persecution and martyrdom, torture has been used by authorities to suppress dissent, enforce conformity, and instill fear within communities. This brutal practice highlights the extreme measures taken to control populations and reflects the social and political tensions of the time.
Veneration of saints: The veneration of saints refers to the practice of honoring and revering individuals recognized for their holiness and virtuous lives within Christianity. This practice often involves prayers, rituals, and the celebration of feast days dedicated to these figures, who are believed to intercede on behalf of the faithful. The veneration of saints is closely tied to concepts of martyrdom, as many saints are individuals who endured persecution for their faith, and their stories serve as inspiration for believers.
Worship of Roman gods: The worship of Roman gods refers to the religious practices and beliefs centered around the pantheon of deities in ancient Rome, which included major gods like Jupiter, Mars, and Venus. This form of worship was deeply integrated into Roman society, influencing public life, politics, and personal devotion. Rituals, sacrifices, and festivals played a crucial role in maintaining favor with these gods and ensuring the prosperity of the state.