Rome and the persecutions of

Christianity

The traditional view

Successive emperors tried to suppress Christianity with violent measures

Extensive persecutions included Christians being thrown to the lions, or suffering horrendous torture

In these narratives, the tormented Christians always endure suffering and earn eternal salvation by steadfast refusal to yield to oppression. Thus the stories of the early martyrs become examples of unyielding Christian faith.

Early Christians worshipped in secret in catacombs or private houses and useδ symbols (e.g. the cross, or ΙΧΘΥΣ) to identify themselves, for fear of persecutions.

Wild Beasts

Fire

Crucifixions

Mutilations and beheading