Romans and Christians: The Bacchanalian Conspiracy and Imperial Persecution Notes

Historical Context of Nero’s Actions: * The persecution mounted by Nero against Christians is often misunderstood and is not well remembered for its actual historical nature. * It serves as the first recorded official reaction to "Christians" (identificed specifically by that name) within Roman records. * Prior Historical Context: * The trial and execution of Jesus is recognized as a historical event, though details are only preserved in later Christian accounts and select Jewish records. * During the reign of Claudius, a possible previous event occurred where a dispute broke out among Jews in Rome. This conflict was so contentious that Claudius chose to exile them for a period. * Scope and Reputation of Nero’s Persecution: * This persecution was limited geographically to the general environs of Rome. * The sheer cruelty utilized by Nero during this persecution ultimately discredited him in the eyes of the Roman population. * Deaths of Key Church Figures: * While the persecution was narrowly targeted, Church tradition maintains that two vital leaders were killed. * Peter: Reputedly crucified on the nearby Vatican hill. * Paul: Reported to have been beheaded.

The Second Temple and Messianic Expectations: * Renovations on the "second Temple" were completed following a process that began more than $70$ years prior under Herod the Great. * The completion of this project sparked significant messianic expectations within Judea.
The Major Revolt ( $66\,CE$ - $70\,CE$ ): * Both Jews and Christians received unfavorable attention from Roman authorities in the years following the Great Fire of $64\,CE$ . * Religious freedom fighters known as "Zealots" initiated a major revolt against Roman rule in $66\,CE$ . * The revolt concluded in $70\,CE$ with the total destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple itself.
Later Persecution Policy: * Christians remained suspect in the eyes of the state but were not specifically targeted by an empire-wide policy of persecution until $90\,CE$ , as declared by Domitian.

Parallels to the Bacchanalian Conspiracy ( $186\,BCE$ ): * Similar to the Roman reaction to the Bacchanalian Conspiracy in $186\,BCE$ , the early Roman response to Christianity was less about theological or religious disagreement and more about a host of social and political concerns. * Imperial policy was driven by specific anxieties regarding the religion that only partially concerned the faith itself.
The Manner of the Founder’s Death: * Romans were troubled by the fact that the founder of the religion experienced crucifixion. * Crucifixion was specifically a death reserved for non-Roman criminals and slaves. * Even Paul describes the crucifixion as "foolishness," a term that should likely be interpreted as "scandalous" in a Roman context.
The Issue of Proselytizing: * Unlike the Jewish population, which was spread widely throughout the empire but did not engage in active conversion, Christians were actively proselytizing. * This feature of active conversion is highlighted by Paul’s activities as documented in the Book of Acts and his epistles.

Status Inclusivity and Social Equality: * From a Roman perspective, the religion was problematic because it was available to individuals of all social statuses. * Both Roman citizens and provincial populations were treated as equals, referred to as "brothers." * Both males and females could be inducted into the body of believers. * Structural Mutual Aid: The needs of the poor were expected to be provided for by those members with financial means. * Social Mixing: Free citizens and enslaved persons mixed within the community as equals.
Requirement for Regular Meetings: * The disparity in social status among members necessitated specific considerations for gathering. * Nocturnal Meetings: Private meetings held at night were required for individuals of lower or enslaved statuses who worked during the day. * Liturgical Events: This social structure provided the reason for seasonal liturgical events, specifically Easter and Christmas.

Exclusive Monotheism: * The single most difficult religious aspect preventing Christian integration into Roman society was its exclusive monotheism.
Imperial Cult and Romanization: * Beginning with Augustus, the "genius" of Rome and the emperor had become a fundamental feature of the "Romanization" process. * Participation in sacrifices to the emperor was a mark of loyalty; conversely, the refusal to participate in these sacrifices was easily identified with insurrection. * These social, political, and religious considerations collectively moved Rome to officially classify Christians as dangerous individuals and motivated heightened, specific persecutions throughout subsequent history.