PART II: IV* S OCIOS CA PE The g r e at of the a ge: 300- 400 c.e.
From 230 c.e. till 285 c.e there were 23 confirmed emperors and as many as 66 claimants for at least some part of the Roman Empire. The average length of rule was 2.69 years. Only one died a natural death (Claudius II Gothicus, who died of the plague). In the mean time, Rome was constantly at war. Civil wars of succession, offensive and defensive wars against Persia/Parthia (one emperor was captured and enslaved), defensive wars against the Goths, and quelling uprisings in Gaul and Palmyra all stretched Rome’s capacities and resources. By 300 c.e. the Christian population of the Empire was something like 4-12% of a total population of about 60 million. Persecutions of Christians were sporadic, usually regional, often aimed at the leaders, and involved confiscation of property and exile more commonly than death. But the attacks on Christians were real and often vicious. Priests were expected to turn over (traducere hence “traitor”) sacred books and vessels. Those accused were required to offer a libation to the emperor—though idolatry to the Christian, refusal was considered “atheism” to the State. They were tortured in grotesque ways with instruments, rape, and fire. They were burned alive, drowned, attacked by beasts or gladiators in the arena, disemboweled, stoned, crucified, beheaded, pierced with arrows…Ambrose says of St. Vitalis’ tortured body that “he had more wounds than limbs” (Exhortatio Virginitatis I.9). Some Christians did recant. Later,
seeking readmission to the Church, they triggered controversy that lasted for centuries between those who denied them (Donatists) and those who forgave them (Nicaeans). Others too enthusiastically sought martyrdom and had to be reined in with ecclesial discipline. The last great persecution was initiated by Diocletian in 303. A decade later first Galerius (Edict of Toleration, 311) then Constantine and Licinius (Edict of Milan 313) legalized Christianity. Christians were simultaneously engaged in sometimes violent fights about authentic doctrine. The essential questions included the nature of Jesus Christ; being a loyal subject and a good Christian; relationships among bishops; role of the martyrs; and the sinfulness of the flesh. More Christians were killed by Christians than by Romans. After the age of the martyrs, the “slow martyrdom” of rigorous asceticism, including virginity and celibacy, grew in popularity throughout the Church, sometimes drifting into heresy by denying that the body is the work of God, but most often balanced by a healthy, if severe, sense of sacrificing earthly goods for the sake of the Greatest Good.
Constantine and Licinius delivering the “Edict of Milan,” flanking scenes of persecution of Christians.
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