Domitian persecution

Background to the persecution?

Post Nero, christians were free from state persecution for about 30 years

Domitian is regarded as the 2nd persecutor of the church

Eusebius tells us that domitian was ‘Nero’s successor in terms of hostility to God’

Causes of Domitian’s persecution?

Roman historian Dio Cassius (225AD) reports that in the last year of his reign, Domitian acted against many charged with atheism- didnt worship Roman gods.

Extent of persecution?

Flavius Clemens, the eperors’s cousin and consult, and his wife, Flavia Domatilla, were persecuted by Domitian - family meant nothing, he had to uphold the Roman religion.

What does seutonias say about Clemens?

‘Man of disgraceful idleness’ - didnt partake in community due to Christian faith.

What did Domitian like to be referred to as?

Used the title ‘our master and our god’ as self reference

Eusebius on the extent of the persecution?

“Many were the victims of Domitian’s appalling cruelty. At Rome great numbers of men distinguished by birth and attainments were executed without a fair trail and countless others were for no reason at all banished from the country and their property confiscated”

Eusebius on John?

“There is ample evidence that at this time the apostle john was still alive and because of his testimony to the word of God was sentenced to confinement on the isle of patmos”

When was domitian emperor?

81-96 AD