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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