Persecution of “The Way” By KeyKnows Period: 60 to 68 Nero 64 Great Fire of Rome; Nero launches persecutions of Christians Period: 69 to 79 Vespasian 70 Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus 81 Persecution under Domitian 81-96 Period: 81 to 96 Domitian 88 St. Clement l is Pope; restored the Sacrament of Confirmation according to the rite of St. Peter; martyred in 97 Period: 98 to 117 Trajan 110 St. Ignatius of Antioch martyred 112 Trajan’s Rescript in response to Pliny 115 St. Sixtus l is Pope; died in 125 Period: 117 to 138 Hadrian 123 Hadrian’s Rescript 125 St. Telesphorus is Pope; martyred in 136; He composed the Gloria in Excelsis Deo Period: 138 to 161 Antoninus Pius 150 St. Justin Martyr dedicates his First Apology 155 St. Polycarp martyred 161 St. Justin Martyr dedicates his Second Apology Period: 161 to 180 Marcus Aurelius 180 St. Irenaeus writes Against Heresies 196 Tertullian begins writing Period: 196 to 211 Sept. Severus 203 Sts. Perpetua and Felicity are martyred in the arena at Carthage 215 Origen (ca. 185-254) begins writing 250 Edict of Decius 257 Valerian Period: 285 to 305 Diocletian