CLA231H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 32: Diocletianic Persecution, Capitoline Hill, Diocletian
Document Summary
During the lecture, take notes here. (1) the great persecution, 303-313 ce. He and his colleagues embarked on series of wars from 284 -289 on every border. In 299, in an ominous sign, he purged the roman army of christians. Including senior officers that played significant roles in his previous battles. In 303, spurred by pagan intellectuals and maybe on caesar denarius, issued edict in february 303 that specified (1) christian buildings to be destroyed. First was very prominent church in nichamedia (where diocletians palace was) (2) christian books to be burnt (3) valuables owned by churches to be confiscated by the government (4) christian meetings were forbidden. In the summer, just a few months later, a second edict. Declaring that all christian clergy were to be locked up in prison. Otld that the prisons were overflowing with bishops, priests, etc. Set free if they agreed to sacrifice to pagan gods, which some did.
