# The Tetrarchic Persecution of Christians

An episode of [Emperors of Rome](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/850148806), 31 Mar 2026, 43 min.

Audio: https://www.mattsmithpodcast.com/emperors/260331-diocletian06.mp3

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)

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