Persecution of Christians Under Roman Emperors
Notable Persecutors:
• Emperor Nero (54–68 AD): Blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, subjecting them to brutal public executions.
• Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD): Ordered Roman governors to punish Christians who refused to renounce their faith.
• Emperor Decius (249–251 AD): Led one of the most widespread and systematic persecutions of Christians.
• Emperor Valerian (253–260 AD): Initially persecuted Christians, but the oppression ended after his capture at the Battle of Edessa.
• Emperor Gallienus (253–268 AD): Issued an edict of tolerance, effectively halting the persecutions.
Reasons for Persecution:
• Christians refused to worship Roman gods, rejecting the state religion.
• They were suspected of undermining Roman authority and political stability.
• Rumors accused them of cannibalism (misinterpreting the Lord’s Supper) and incest (due to calling fellow believers "brothers" and "sisters").
Christians were persecuted under the Roman Empire, facing imprisonment, torture, and execution for refusing to worship Roman gods and the emperor. False accusations, such as cannibalism and political subversion, fueled hostility. Yet, despite severe oppression, Christianity not only survived but spread, ultimately transforming the empire itself.