What was Diocletian persecution?

The Diocletian Persecution, also known as the Great Persecution, stands as one of the most intense and far-reaching crackdowns on Christians in the history of the Roman Empire. Taking place at the turn of the fourth century, this campaign against the early Christian community left a profound impact on both the faith and the broader course of Western civilization.

The Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity

By the late third century AD, the Roman Empire was a vast and diverse society, home to countless religious traditions and cults. Christianity, which had begun as a small, persecuted sect in Judea, had spread rapidly throughout the empire’s urban centers. Despite earlier periods of localized persecution, Christians had, for the most part, been able to practice their faith—sometimes openly, sometimes in secret—while maintaining a degree of coexistence with their pagan neighbors.

However, as Christianity grew in numbers and influence, it began to be seen as a threat to the traditional religious and social order of Rome. Christians refused to participate in state-sponsored sacrifices to the Roman gods and the emperor, which were considered essential to the well-being of the empire. Their exclusive allegiance to Christ and their refusal to perform acts of worship to the emperor set them apart and aroused suspicion among Roman authorities.

Diocletian: Reformer and Ruler

Diocletian became Roman emperor in 284 AD, inheriting a realm plagued by instability, economic crisis, and threats from both within and without. To restore order, he implemented sweeping reforms, reorganizing the empire’s administration and establishing the Tetrarchy—a system that divided imperial power among four rulers. This new political arrangement was designed to ensure more effective governance and to stabilize succession.

A staunch traditionalist, Diocletian sought to restore the ancient Roman religion as a unifying force for the empire. He believed that the favor of the gods was essential for Rome’s survival and prosperity. Consequently, he viewed Christians, with their refusal to honor the gods and the emperor, as a dangerous source of disunity and divine displeasure.

The Prelude to Persecution

Tensions between Christians and Roman authorities escalated during Diocletian’s reign. Some members of the imperial court, including Diocletian’s co-emperor Galerius, advocated for stronger measures against Christians, who were increasingly visible and numerous, even in the military and government. Rumors and anxieties about Christian influence—especially their perceived threat to traditional values and the pax deorum (peace of the gods)—helped set the stage for more systematic repression.

In the years leading up to the persecution, local acts of violence and discrimination against Christians became more common. Diocletian, however, initially hesitated to launch a full-scale campaign, possibly out of concern for social disruption or the empire’s internal stability. Eventually, under mounting pressure and persuaded by omens and advisors, he decided to act decisively.

The Edicts of Persecution

The Great Persecution began in February 303 AD, when Diocletian issued the first of a series of imperial edicts. The initial edict ordered the destruction of Christian scriptures and places of worship, the confiscation of church property, and the prohibition of Christian assemblies. It also stripped Christians of legal rights and barred them from holding public office.

Subsequent edicts escalated the severity of the repression. Christian clergy were arrested and compelled to sacrifice to the Roman gods or face imprisonment and torture. Eventually, all Christians were ordered to participate in public sacrifices, with refusal punishable by death, forced labor, or other harsh penalties. The enforcement of these edicts varied across the empire, with some regions experiencing brutal crackdowns and others showing relative leniency.

The Nature and Extent of the Persecution

The Diocletian Persecution was marked by widespread violence, destruction, and suffering. Churches were razed, sacred texts burned, and thousands of Christians were imprisoned, tortured, or executed. Notable martyrs of this period include St. Agnes, St. Lucy, St. Sebastian, and St. George, whose stories became sources of inspiration for later generations of Christians.

The persecution was not uniform throughout the empire. In the western provinces, where Constantius Chlorus ruled as Caesar, enforcement was less severe, and few executions occurred. In contrast, the eastern provinces under Diocletian and Galerius saw the most intense and systematic efforts to root out Christianity. The persecution reached its peak between 303 and 305, with waves of arrests, confiscations, and public executions intended to intimidate and eliminate the Christian community.

The Response of the Christian Community

The response of Christians to the Diocletian Persecution varied. Some stood firm in their faith, refusing to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods and facing martyrdom with remarkable courage. Their steadfastness inspired awe and admiration among fellow believers and even some pagans. The stories of these martyrs were recorded, shared, and commemorated in the liturgy, helping to shape the collective identity of the Christian Church.

Others, under duress, complied with the imperial edicts or handed over sacred texts—a practice known as “traditio.” This led to internal conflicts within the Christian community, as debates arose over the proper treatment of those who had lapsed during the persecution. The issue of “lapsed” Christians would continue to be a point of contention in the years that followed.

The End of the Persecution

Diocletian abdicated the throne in 305 AD, and the Tetrarchy began to unravel as rivalries and civil war erupted among his successors. Galerius, who had been one of the main architects of the persecution, eventually became emperor in the East. In 311 AD, gravely ill and seeking to end the suffering, Galerius issued the Edict of Serdica (or Edict of Toleration), which granted Christians the right to practice their faith as long as they prayed for the well-being of the empire.

This edict effectively ended the official persecution, though sporadic violence continued in some places. The Edict of Milan, issued by Constantine and Licinius in 313 AD, granted full religious freedom throughout the empire, marking a decisive turn in the history of Christianity. From that point forward, Christianity would move rapidly from a persecuted minority faith to a dominant force in Roman society.

The Legacy of the Diocletian Persecution

The Diocletian Persecution left an indelible mark on Christian history. The stories of the martyrs, the destruction of churches, and the resilience of the faithful became central themes in Christian memory and identity. The persecution also highlighted the limits of imperial power to suppress religious belief and inadvertently strengthened the resolve and organization of the Christian Church.

In the years that followed, the martyrs of the Great Persecution were venerated as heroes and intercessors, and their stories were incorporated into the liturgical calendar and hagiographies. The persecution also provided a powerful narrative of suffering and triumph that shaped Christian theology and spirituality for centuries.