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