Persec3rdCen Flashcards
What was the general trend of Christianity during the third century?
Surge in growth paralleled by intense persecution under Roman emperors.
Who was the Roman emperor that viewed Christianity as a threat to the empire’s stability?
Marcus Aurelius.
What significant shift occurred during Marcus Aurelius’s reign regarding the Roman government’s approach to Christianity?
The empire began to see Christians as a potential source of instability.
What was the main action taken by Emperor Decius in 249 AD?
Launched a systematic persecution against Christians throughout the empire.
What decree did Decius issue in 250 AD regarding citizens and Roman deities?
Demanded all citizens to sacrifice to Roman deities; refusal led to severe punishments.
When did the Decian persecution end?
251 AD, with Decius’s death in battle.
What was the impact of the Decian persecution on Christians?
Strengthened the resolve of Christians and contributed to the growth of the martyr cult.
What actions did Emperor Valerian take against Christians starting in 253 AD?
Continued Decius’s persecution, targeting Christian clergy.
What was the outcome of the Valerian persecution for many Christian clergy in 258 AD?
Execution of many clergy, further solidifying the image of martyrs.
How did persecution impact the faith of Christians during the third century?
Did not extinguish Christianity, but solidified its hold among adherents.
What cult developed as a result of Christian persecution?
The martyr cult, celebrating those who died for their faith.
What major change occurred in the approach to Christian persecution during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and later emperors?
Shift from sporadic persecution to systematic and empire-wide efforts.
What significant edict did Emperor Diocletian issue in 303 AD?
Ordered the destruction of churches and the persecution of Christians.
What was the purpose of the Tetrarchy established during Diocletian’s reign?
To stabilize the empire’s governance amid crises.
What pivotal battle did Constantine engage in for control of the West?
The Battle at the Milvian Bridge.
What vision did Constantine report seeing before his victory?
A vision of a cross in the sky.
What significant law did Constantine enact in 313 AD?
The Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance for Christianity.
What was the significance of the founding of Constantinople in 330 AD?
Marked a shift in the empire’s center.
Fill in the blank: The Decian persecution began in _______ AD.
249
True or False: The Valerian persecution was more severe than the Decian persecution.
True
