5.2 - Roman Persecution of Church

Burning of Rome

signaled the Roman persecution of Christians.

Nero

____ falsely charged to Christians the fire lasting ten days that destroyed 10 districts of Rome.

• Consequently, Christians were seized and severely punished with the most excruciating and terrible tortures of death.

Christians

_____ were tossed to the hungry beasts, to be devoured, nailed to crosses and burned at the stakes.

virgins

The ___ were given as prizes to the victors of gladiatorial contests.

Roman power

But ironically, The _______ did not become successful to totally exterminate Christians in the face of the world.

Christianity

______ in the end conquered the Roman Empire for Christ, for He promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it

Catacombs

were underground cemeteries used by Christians to bury their dead in the walls

Catacombs

became a refuge for Christians to protect themselves

• and to practice their faith at the height of persecutions.

• fish

• bread

• lamb

• Christ monogram

Inside were discovered primitive Christian symbols:

Catacomb of St. Sebastian

was very famous among them.

• It has 4 storeys, many martyrs were buried and wider galleries where sacraments were celebrated

• Catacomb of St. Sebastian

• Catacomb of St. Peter

Christian Catacombs: