Roman Persecutions and the Triumph of Early Christianity (64–325 AD)

Early Roman Persecutions and Imperial Decrees

• 64 AD: First Roman persecution under Emperor Nero.
• 250 AD: Decius issues an edict requiring sacrifices to Roman gods (marking the first systematic Roman persecution).
• 257 AD: Valerian orders Christian clergy to perform sacrifices to Roman gods and prohibits Christians from holding meetings in cemeteries (Edict of Persecution).
• 303 AD: General persecution of all Christians under Diocletian (considered the worst and most severe persecution).

The Tetrarchy and the Rise of Constantine

293 AD: Seeing the need for further governance, Diocletian establishes the Tetrarchy, featuring both an Augustus and a Caesar in the East and the West.

• The East: Diocletian (Augustus) and Galerius (Caesar).
• The West: Maximian (Augustus) and Constantius (Caesar).

Constantine's Conversion and the Edict of Milan

• 312 AD: Battle of Milvian Bridge.
• Constantine has a dream or vision before the battle. In this dream, Christ tells him to place the Chi Rho symbol on his soldiers' shields and standards, promising victory.
• 313 AD: Edict of Milan. Constantine meets with Licinius in Milan. The Edict of Milan is issued, allowing for the legalization of Christianity and religious toleration for all.

The Conflict with Licinius

Licinius and Constantine did not get along and continued to fight each other for years to come.

• 320 AD: Licinius begins persecution despite the Edict of Milan.
• 324 AD: Constantine defeats Licinius in battle.
• Licinius surrenders and, in exchange for his life, goes to live in Thessalonica.
• 325 AD: Licinius is arrested and hanged after Constantine accuses him of plotting against him.

The Apostolic Mission and Martyrdom

The mission of the Church is to spread the Gospel (the Great Commission). Paul is considered the most instrumental figure in the mission of the Church. The Apostles began preaching the Good News in Jewish communities and synagogues.

The Twelve Apostles and Their Final Witness

Bartholomew

• Preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia (Iraq), Persia (Iran), Turkey, Armenia, and India.
• Martyrdom: Flayed alive and beheaded near modern-day Russia.

Andrew

• Preached in Georgia, Istanbul (Turkey), Macedonia, and Greece.
• Martyrdom: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Greece.

Peter

• Peter went to Rome to preach the Gospel.
• Martyrdom: Crucified upside down c. 64 AD under Emperor Nero in Nero’s Circus.

Phillip

• Preached in Greece, Syria, and Turkey.
• Martyrdom: Crucified in Hierapolis.

Thomas

• Preached in Babylon (present-day Iraq), Persia (Iran), China, and India.
• Martyrdom: Stabbed to death with a spear in India.

Thaddeus (Jude)

• Preached in Israel, Persia (Iran), Jordan, Syria, Mesopotamia (Iraq), and Libya.
• It is also widely believed that Jude traveled and preached in Beirut, Lebanon.
• Martyrdom: Clubbed to death and then sawed/axed to pieces.

James the Greater

• Preached in Iberia (Spain) and throughout modern-day Spain.
• Martyrdom: Beheaded.

Apostle James (Stoned and Clubbed)

• Preached in Damascus and Jerusalem.
• Martyrdom: Stoned and clubbed to death.

Simon the Zealot

• Preached in the Middle East, North Africa, Egypt, and even Britain.
• Martyrdom: Sawed into pieces.

Matthew

• Preached in Macedonia, Syria, Ethiopia, Judea, and Parthia (Iran).
• Martyrdom: Martyred while celebrating Mass.

Key Concepts of the Early Church

The Trinity and the Church's Foundation

• God the Father in creation of the Church: through covenants.
• God the Holy Spirit in creation of the Church: through gifts/grace to accomplish the mission.
• God the Son in creation of the Church: through His death on the cross.

Historical Facts and Terminology

First Christian Martyr

Stephen (a deacon).

When did the first Roman persecution of Christians begin?

64 AD.

In what year was the first systematic Roman Persecution?

250 AD.

Which emperor had the worst/most severe persecution?

Diocletian.

What happened in 312 AD?

Battle of Milvian Bridge.

What does Constantine attribute his victory to?

The Chi Rho symbol.

What was one of the cons of the legalization of Christianity?

Susceptibility of the Church to heresy and cultural Christianity.

Caesaropapism

The belief that the Caesar has the ‘same’ authority as the Pope.

What was the name of the Edict that allowed for the legalization of Christianity?

Edict of Milan.

What did Diocletian establish that allowed for the rise of Constantine?

The Tetrarchy (293 AD).

What building did the Romans model their structures after?

Basilica.

What was the name given to Christians who renounced their faith?

Lapsi.

What does ‘Ichthus’ stand for?

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.

Where does the word ‘apology’ come from?

Greek.

Where does the tradition of kissing the altar come from?

Celebrating Mass over the tombs of the martyrs.