The Christian Emperor Who Grew Up to Conduct the Great Persecution

Diocletian was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 284 to 305 AD, and his reign was marked by a number of significant events and developments, including his interactions with the growing religion of Christianity.

At the time of Diocletian’s reign, Christianity was a minority religion in the Roman Empire, and it faced significant persecution from the Roman authorities. Diocletian himself was a traditional Roman polytheist, and he was known to be hostile towards Christianity and its followers.

One of the most significant events of Diocletian’s reign related to Christianity was the Great Persecution, which began in 303 AD and lasted for several years. This persecution was aimed at Christians throughout the Roman Empire, and it resulted in the arrest, torture, and execution of many Christians. The Great Persecution was one of the most severe persecutions of Christians in Roman history, and it is remembered as a dark time in the history of Christianity.

Despite the hostility and persecution faced by Christians during Diocletian’s reign, the religion continued to grow and spread throughout the empire. This was due in part to the efforts of Christian leaders and evangelists, who worked to spread the message of Christianity despite the risks involved.

In conclusion, Diocletian’s reign was marked by significant interactions with Christianity, including the Great Persecution, which was one of the most severe persecutions of Christians in Roman history. Despite this persecution, Christianity continued to grow and spread throughout the Roman Empire, and it eventually became the dominant religion in the empire.