On 23 February 303, the Emperor Diocletian ordered the destruction of the church at Nicomedia, and the next day issued an edict that churches be torn down, scriptures burned and Christians deprived of their rights. Further edicts ordered the arrest of clergy and compelled everyone to sacrifice to the gods. It was the most severe persecution the Christians of the empire suffered, with many executions, especially in the east, and lasted until 311 in some regions. It failed to destroy the church, and within a decade Constantine granted toleration.
Before and after
- 293 CEConstruction of Diocletian's Palace
- 293 CEDiocletian establishes the Tetrarchy
- 3rd centuryOrigins of Mangup
- 303 CEConstruction of Etchmiadzin Cathedral
- 23 February 303 CEThe Great Persecution of Christians begins
- from 304 CE to 439 CESixteen Kingdoms
- 312 CEOrigins of Basilica of Maxentius
- June 313 CEEdict of Milan
- 25 July 315 CEConstruction of Arch of Constantine
More in Society, economy & sport
- from 550 BCE to 366 BCEFounding of Peloponnesian League
- from 478 BCE to 403 BCEFounding of Delian League
- from 4th century BCE to 4th centuryFounding of Library of Alexandria
- from 280 BCE to 146 BCEFounding of Achaean League
- 167 BCERise of Maccabees
- 2nd centuryRise of Montanism
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 4th century.