Unit 4: The "Very" Messy Second Century

Why were Christians blamed during crises (plagues, disaster)?

People believed the gods were angry due to lack of sacrifices; Christians were blamed because they refused to sacrifice.

What was the role of sacrifice in Roman religion?

Sacrifice was used to appease gods and maintain order, especially during crises.

What happened in 64 CE under Emperor Nero?

After a fire in Rome, Nero blamed Christians and brutally persecuted them.

How did Nero persecute Christians?

Burning them alive, crucifixion, and killing them with wild animals.

Which major Christian figures were likely killed under Nero?

Peter and Paul.

Were persecutions constant across the empire?

No, persecutions were sporadic and localized, not continuous.

How did Emperor Trajan view Christianity?

Christianity was illegal but not actively hunted.

What was Pliny the Younger’s role in persecution?

As governor, he interrogated suspected Christians and executed those who confessed.

What confused Pliny about Christians?

They appeared to be law-abiding and harmless.

What did Christians do according to Pliny?

Met before dawn, worshipped Christ, and vowed to live morally.

What was Trajan’s instruction to Pliny?

Punish Christians if accused, but do not actively seek them out.

How was early Christianity initially viewed?

As a sect of Judaism, which gave it some protection.

Why did that protection disappear?

Christians were later seen as a new and separate group, not tied to ancient tradition.

Why were Christians seen negatively?

They were viewed as a superstition and as refusing civic/religious duties.

What happened in Lyons in 177 CE?

Violent persecution—Christians were beaten and brought to authorities.

Who was Perpetua?

A noblewoman and Christian martyr who kept a prison diary.

Why is Perpetua significant?

Her detailed account shows strong faith and willingness to die for Christianity.

How did Perpetua die?

Executed in the arena after torture; ultimately killed by a gladiator.

What policy did Septimius Severus enforce?

Banned new conversions to Christianity and Judaism.

What effect did martyr stories have?

Strengthened faith and attracted more followers.

What common theme explains persecution?

Blame

Christians were scapegoated for social, economic, and natural problems.

What problems faced the Roman Empire before Decius?

Military setbacks, economic decline, rising taxes.

What was Emperor Decius’s solution?

Religious revival through mandatory sacrifice.