Diocletianic Persecution

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Diocletianic Persecution

The Diocletianic Persecution, also known as the Great Persecution, was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. It began in 303 AD under the reign of Emperor Diocletian and continued until 311 AD. The persecution was part of a broader effort by Diocletian to consolidate and stabilize the empire through religious and administrative reforms.

Background

Diocletian became emperor in 284 AD and initiated a series of reforms to address the empire's economic, military, and administrative challenges. One of his key reforms was the establishment of the Tetrarchy, a system of rule by four emperors, which aimed to provide more effective governance across the vast empire.

Edicts of Persecution

The persecution began with a series of edicts issued by Diocletian and his co-emperors. The first edict, issued in February 303 AD, ordered the destruction of Christian scriptures and places of worship, and prohibited Christians from assembling for worship. Subsequent edicts called for the arrest and imprisonment of Christian clergy, and later, all Christians were required to sacrifice to the Roman gods or face execution.

Implementation and Impact

The implementation of the persecution varied across the empire. In the eastern provinces, where Diocletian and his co-emperor Galerius held sway, the persecution was more rigorously enforced. In the western provinces, under the rule of Constantius Chlorus and later Constantine the Great, the persecution was less severe.

The persecution led to the martyrdom of many Christians, including notable figures such as Saint George, Saint Sebastian, and Saint Agnes. It also caused significant social and economic disruption, as Christians were often prominent members of their communities.

End of the Persecution

The persecution gradually subsided after Diocletian's abdication in 305 AD. In 311 AD, Galerius issued the Edict of Serdica, which granted Christians the right to practice their religion openly. The persecution effectively ended with the issuance of the Edict of Milan by Constantine and Licinius in 313 AD, which granted religious tolerance throughout the empire.

Legacy

The Diocletianic Persecution had a profound impact on the Christian community and the development of the Christian Church. It strengthened the resolve of many Christians and contributed to the veneration of martyrs. The persecution also highlighted the growing tension between the Roman state and the Christian religion, which would eventually lead to the establishment of Christianity as the state religion under Constantine.

Related Pages

• Diocletian
• Tetrarchy
• Edict of Milan
• Constantine the Great
• Martyr
• Saint George
• Saint Sebastian
• Saint Agnes

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