On This Day In Roman History, January 20
A series of edicts created by Emperor Decius begin a time of turmoil and persecution against the Christians on January 20, 250 CE. This time, conveniently referred to as the Decian persecution, was probably not originally aimed at Christians. It is assumed these edicts were to allow for greater unity of the Empire in terms of culture and religion. This legislation forced all citizens in the Roman Empire to preform sacrifice to the Roman Gods in front of a magistrate, who would issue a written certificate known as a libellus. This contradicted with Christian theology, and they could not preform the required sacrifice. Many Christians were forced to either flee or capitulate and preform the sacrifice, otherwise facing death.
Did you know?
The Jews were exempted from these sacrifices in accordance to earlier policies stretching all the way back to Julius Caesar. Judaism had been recognized by Julius Caesar, and in turn Augustus, as a religio licta. This is Latin for "permitted religion", allowing for the practice of Judaism. The reason Judaism was exempted is reflected in the Roman's respect for something they considered to be so ancient. Christianity was incredibly new at this time, especially most Roman citizens, and it was viewed as such during the decision making process of these edicts. It is well known however, that several Christian communities had been coexisting peacefully within the Empire for some time.
Pictured: Libellus from the Decian persecution 250 AD certifying that the holder has sacrificed to the Roman gods, via Wikimedia Commons.
Hundreds of surviving texts in the form of these libelli were found in Egypt. What was required and for what purpose is best summarized by historian and author D. S. Potter: "All the inhabitants of the empire were required to sacrifice before the magistrates of their community 'for the safety of the empire' by a certain day (the date would vary from place to place and the order may have been that the sacrifice had to be completed within a specified period after a community received the edict). When they sacrificed they would obtain a certificate (libellus) recording the fact that they had complied with the order.[2] That is, the certificate would testify the sacrificant's loyalty to the ancestral gods and to the consumption of sacrificial food and drink as well as the names of the officials who were overseeing the sacrifice."
Opinion
While there is no doubt the Romans knew this would adversely affect their Christian population, to assume this edict was a direct action against them religiously is a little unfair. Also, after the first year, the actions against Christians who did not want to commit to the sacrifices were taken to a much more relaxed level. Had Christianity not become the dominate religion of the Roman state, these decrees may have made a passing in history as nearly unmentioned. Sorry for the brief, late post today. A lot is going on in the United States with the inauguration of a new president, I couldn't pass up watching history unfold in front of my very eyes.
Sources
Esler, P. F. (2000). The early Christian world. London: Routledge.
Frend, W. H. (1984). The rise of Christianity. Philadelphia: Fortress Press.
Potter, D. S. (2008). Emperors of Rome: the story of Imperial Rome from Julius Caesar to the last emperor. London: Quercus.
Further Reading:
Also on this day:
Special Thanks: Michael Houghan
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