Persecution in the 3rd Century Flashcards
(22 cards)
Describe Christianity in the 3rd century
it underwent heavy prosecution, while also seeing a growth. It also saw the shift from local and sporadic persecution to empire wide and systematic efforts to suppress the faith.
Which emperor started the Christian persecution?
Marcus Aurelius during his reign in 161 - 180 AD
Why did Marcus Aurelius start his persecution of Christian?
Because Rome was declining in vitality. They were threatened by barbarians and they were in aa economic crisis as a result, so Aurelius blamed Christians for this.
Why did Aurelius blame Christians for Rome’s suffering?
Because in roman culture, they believed that the more gods and goddesses you believe, the more protection you would have. Because the Christians only believe in God, Aurelius thought that the Christians incurred the wrath of the gods.
What was persecution like during Aurelius’s reign as emperor?
It was sporadic (irregular), and local. It may not have been very systematic yet, but it laid the foundation for later persecutions as it shifted the Roman government’s approach to Christianity.
Which emperor launched a systematic persecution against the Christians?
Emperor Decius, who reigned from 249 to 251 AD). This period was short because Emperor Decius died in war in 251 AD.
Describe the Decian persecution
This marked the start of a systematic and empire wide persecution, where the entire faith was targeted rather than just specific individuals.
What was the effect of the Decian persecution to Christians/Christianity?
It resulted in many deaths, including a pope. But at the same time, it strengthened the resolve of the believers and contributed to the growth of the martyr cult. Some people also became apostates, who are people that worship in private, but denounce their faith in public.
How were Christians able to prove they weren’t Christians?
They had to show a certificate that showed that they werent Christian, and this certificate was given if the individual in question provided incense, ate meaty, and pour libation (pouring liquid to honor a god).
Which emperor continued the Decian persecution?
Emperor Valerian
What did the Valerian persecution center on?
It centered on targeting the Christian clergy and exiling them
What did the Valerian persecution specifically do?
They sent the clergy to exile, outlawed Christian gatherings, and prohibited the Christian faith. (these resulted in the deaths of christians)
How did the type/nature of the persecution of Christians shift?
It went from sporadic and localized, to systematic and empire wide. The persecution became more coordinated and organized, and were aimed at completely suppressing the faith.
What were impacts of persecution?
Strengthening of the faith, growth of the martyr cult (which celebrated those that died for the faith), and expansion of Christianity
Which emperor reigned over a period of intense Christian persecution?
Emperor Diocletian (284 - 305 AD)
What was the goal of persecution of Diocletian?
the total eradication of Christianity. They wanted it so that no trace of Christianity was left. they destroyed buildings and killed all Christians.
What is the tetrarchy?
the system instituted by Roman emperor Diocletian in 293 AD to govern Rome by dividing it into the east and west and giving them to two emperors/rulers, the augusti (augustus), and their junior colleagues and designated successors, the caesares (caesar). This system stated that once an augustus dies the caesar takes their place as the augustus, and a new caesar is selected.
Why did Diocletian create the tetrachy?
Because of internal rebellions and external invasions. It aimed to stabilize Rome’s governance, but it also created a complex power structure.
Who is Constantine and Maxentius and why did they fight?
In the west of Rome, once the tetrachy was formed, Maxentius was the caesar to Constantine’s father, Constantius, the augustus. When Constantius died, they didnt recognize maxentius as the augustus, and instead they chose Constantine. So, they had a war for the control.
Who won the battle at Milvian bridge and why?
Constantine won, and he attributed this victory to the symbol of a cross that he put on the shields of all his troops. He did this because he saw a vision of the cross in the sky.
What did Constantine do for Christianity during his reign?
in 313 AD, he established the edict of Milan which granted religious tolerance for Christians.
What did Theodossius do?
he declared Christianity as the main religion of Rome
