- The Decian Persecution followed an Edict in 250 CE by the Roman Emperor Decius (249-251 CE) which obliged the Roman population to sacrifice to the Roman Gods or be killed.
- It was the first time the practice of Christianity was faced by a legal threat.
The Edict of Decius (250 CE)
- In 250 CE an Edict was issued by the Emperor Decius (249-251 CE) compelling all citizens in the Roman Empire to perform a sacrifice to the Roman Gods and to the well-being of the Roman Emperor or be put to death.
- The sacrifice had to be performed in front of the local Roman Magistrate who then signed and issued a certificate recording the ceremony.
Effect on Christianity
- For the first time, Christians faced a legal challenge to the practice of their religion.
- Christians were forbidden to sacrifice to the Roman Gods or to the well-being of the Roman Emperor.
- Some very famous Christians were executed, including Pope Fabian, who was executed on the 20th January 250 CE, and St. Denis the Bishop of Paris.
- Although many Christians were forced to obey in order to receive their certificates, many also fled or were martyred. The Edict, although not specifically anti-Christian, was devastating in its effect on Christian communities.
The Plague of Cyprian (249-262 CE)
- At the same time a devastating Plague known as the Plague of Cyprian occurred between 249-262 CE.
- At its worst point, the Plague killed up to 5,000 people a day in Rome. The local populations blamed the Christians for this Plague, and thousands were massacred in mob violence.
Rome