311 Diocletianic persecution of Christians comes to an end
The Diocletianic Persecution is considered to be the most gruesome persecution of Christians in the Roman empire. During this time Rome was governed by four different emperors: Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius and Constantius.
Before the Edict of Milan, which ended Christian persecution on April 30, 311, there had been four separate edicts that had been proclaimed that made Christianity practically illegal. The first of the four was ordered by Diocletian which demanded that Christian scriptures, liturgical books and places of worship be destroyed. Christians were denied the right to worship and the right to petition the court; Christian senators, equestrians, decurions, veterans and soldiers were stripped of their ranks and freedmen were re-enslaved. Those who refused to follow the edict were imprisoned and or executed by being burned alive.
The second edict was also ordered by Diocletian and called for the arrest of all bishops and priests. His third edict, since the prisons were being overrun by Christian clergymen, gave the imprisoned bishops and priests the option to go free if they offered a sacrifice to the Roman gods. The fourth and final edict of persecution ordered a mass sacrifice in a public space performed by all men, women and children; this edict, though, was not enforced in all of Maximian and Constantinus’ lands.
Diocletian was under the impression that Christianity and Christians were a threat to Roman citizens, Roman culture and Roman religion. His edicts were meant to defend against the Christian threat that he was convinced of. It wasn’t until April 30, 311 after Diocletian resigned, Constantine and Licinius came to power and Galerius passed away that things for the better for the Christians.
Galerius had a change of heart, despite that he was a strong advocate for Christian persecution and, while on his deathbed, declared an end to the persecution and set change into motion. Not everyone agreed through, Maximinus continued to prosecute Christians until the Edict of Milan was signed by Constantine and Licinius who worked towards terms of peace and tolerance between Pagans and Christians.
Columnist: Sunshine Anne
The Cave 