- The Persecution of the Christians under Valerian started in 257 CE, when Valerian (253-260 CE) sent two Decrees to the Roman Senate specifically targeting Christians.
- The Decrees weren’t rescinded until 260 CE when his son Gallienus (253-268 CE) became sole Emperor.
The Decrees
- All the Christian clergy were to be sent into Exile if they failed to sacrifice to the Roman Gods.
- All Christian leaders were to be executed. This led to the execution of Pope Sixtus II, the Bishop Cyprian of Carthage, and seven Deacons.
- All the Roman Senators and Knights had to worship the Roman Gods or risk losing their Titles and having their Property confiscated.
- All Roman Christian Mothers who did not change their religion would be sent into Exile.
- All Civil Servants and members of the Imperial Household who refused to worship Roman Gods to be sent into Slavery.