Persecution of Christians in the Early Church Timeline

By juhn
  • 35

    Stephen martyred; Paul converted

  • 42

    Apostle James beheaded by Herod Agrippa I

  • 49

    Jews expelled from Rome (for disturbances with Christians?)

  • 64

    Nero launches persecution

  • 65

    Peter and Paul executed

  • 80

    Domitian develops emperor worship

  • 95

    Domitian executes or exiles several family members on charges of "atheism"

  • 107

    Simeon, cousin of Jesus and bishop of Jerusalem, killed for political (anti-Semitic) reasons

  • 110

    Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, martyred in Rome

  • 112

    Pliny inquires of Trajan how to treat Christians

  • 155

    Justin writes First and Second Apology

  • 156

    Polycarp martyred

    Polycarp martyred
  • 160

    Justin writes Second Apology

  • 165

    Justin martyred

  • 177

    Pogrom in Lyons and Vienne: 48 killed

  • Period: 211 to 213

    North African hostilities

  • 250

    Emperor Decius orders universal sacrifice; church leaders arrested; Origen jailed and tortured; Pope Fabian martyred, as are bishops of Antioch and Jerusalem; Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, and Dionysius, bishop of Alexandria, flee

    Emperor Decius orders universal sacrifice; church leaders arrested; Origen jailed and tortured; Pope Fabian martyred, as are bishops of Antioch and Jerusalem; Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, and Dionysius, bishop of Alexandria, flee
  • 270

    Emperor Aurelian establishes state cult of the Unconquerable