The Tetrarchic Persecution of Christians
From Emperors of Rome by La Trobe University
March 31, 2026 · 43 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the Tetrarchic persecution of Christians during the early fourth century.
In the early fourth century the emperors of the Tetrarchy initiated what later Christians would call the “Great Persecution.” Under Diocletian and his colleagues, churches were demolished, sacred texts seized, and believers forced to choose between sacrificing to the Roman gods or facing punishment by the state. Support Emperors of Rome on Patreon: patreon.com/romepodcast This month's bonus episode on Patreon is with Caillan Davenport, looking at the Christian martyr, Saint Sebastian. . Episode CCLIV (254) Part VI of Diocletian Guest: Professor Caillan Davenport (Centre for Classical Studies, Australian National University)
People in this episode
Guest: Professor Caillan Davenport
Topics covered
- Tetrarchy
- Christian persecution
- Roman history
- Diocletian
- martyrdom
Keywords
- Tetrarchy
- Christianity
- persecution
- Diocletian
- martyr
- Roman gods
- sacred texts
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: La Trobe University
Books & works: Saint Sebastian
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