WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Bishops and priests were arrested, tortured, and martyred. In 304, Rome decreed that all Christians sacrifice to the pagan gods or face death. Following Diocletian’s retirement in 305, a civil war broke out to determine his successor. It raged on for almost a decade.

Detailed explanation-2: -Christians became an easy target. Nero wasted no time. He arrested and tortured all the Christians in Rome, before executing them with lavish publicity. Some were crucified, some were thrown to wild animals and others were burned alive as living torches.

Detailed explanation-3: -The fundamental cause of persecution was the Christians’ conscientious rejection of the gods whose favour was believed to have brought success to the empire. But distrust was increased by Christian detachment and reluctance to serve in the imperial service and in the army.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cattle was for food or religious sacrifice; wolves were respected; lions were admired but arrived in Rome with a death sentence. Dogs and birds on the other hand, were often much-loved domestic animals. Caged birds seem to have been particularly popular pets, especially with upper-class women.

Detailed explanation-5: -Although it is often claimed that Christians were persecuted for their refusal to worship the emperor, general dislike for Christians likely arose from their refusal to worship the gods or take part in sacrifice, which was expected of those living in the Roman Empire.