1583 Edition | Book 1 | Page 54 
Close(c. 14 - 59)
Daughter of Germanicus Julius Caesar; sister of Caligula; mother of Nero. Married (1)Domitius Ahenobarbus, (2)Sallustius Crispus Passienus, (3)Claudius, her uncle; exiled in 39.
She is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(214x215 - 275) [C. Koerner www.roman-emperors.org]
Supreme commander of the cavalry
Roman emperor (270 - 75); reintegrated the eastern provinces, Gaul and Britain; murdered
Aurelian began his reign by treating the Christians well. Thereafter he intended a harsh persecution, but it did not take effect. 1570, p. 107; 1576, p. 76; 1583, p. 75.
Close(d. 238) [R. McMahon www.roman-emperors.org]
Co-emperor with Pupienus (238); killed with him by the Praetorian Guards
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(41 - 55) [D. Hurley www.roman-emperors.org]
Son of Claudius; step-brother of Nero; murdered
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(188-217) [ODNB; M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Elder son of Septimius Severus; co-ruler with his father in 198
Roman emperor (211 - 217), jointly with his brother in 211; reconstructed Hadrian's Wall
He arranged the murder of his brother Geta; he was himself murdered
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 83, 147; 1576, pp. 31, 57, 109; 1583, pp. 31, 57, 108.
Close(d. 283) [W. Leadbetter www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (282 - 83); conducted a successful war against the Persians. Died suddenly, probably of illness.
Foxe says Carus was killed by lightning. 1570, pp. 39, 108; 1576, pp. 31, 77; 1583, pp. 31, 76.
Close(161 - 192) [D. Quinn www.roman-emperors.org]
Son of Marcus Aurelius; co-emperor with his father (178 - 80)
Roman emperor (180 - 192); murdered
Commodus caused difficulties for the senate, but was not a persecutor of Christians. 1570, pp. 39, 75; 1576, pp. 31, 51; 1583, pp. 31, 51.
Close(271x273 - 337) [H. A. Pohlsander www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor in the West (306 - 37); defeated Maxentius, rival emperor, in 312
Sole Roman emperor (324 - 37)
Constantine took three legions with him out of Britain, thereby weakening its defence. 1570, p. 148; 1576, p. 109; 1583, p. 108.
Maximian plotted to have Constantine killed; the plot was detected by Fausta, Constantine's wife and daughter of Maximian. 1570, p. 118; 1576, p. 85; 1583, p. 84.
The citizens and senators of Rome appealed to Constantine to rid them of Maxentius. 1570, p. 118; 1576, p. 85; 1583, p. 84.
Constantine, preparing for battle against Maxentius and fearing his magical powers, saw the sign of a cross in the sky. He then had a dream with a vision of the cross and of Christ. He took a cross into battle with him as a standard and defeated Maxentius at Milvian Bridge. 1570, p. 119; 1576, p. 86; 1583, p. 85.
[Back to Top]After the defeat of Maxentius, Constantine no longer sacrificed to the Roman gods, but he deferred baptism to his old age. He issued edicts restoring church goods and bringing Christians back from exile. 1570, pp. 139-41; 1576, pp. 103-04; 1583, pp. 101-03.
Constantine wrote to Anulinus, his proconsul in Africa, instructing him to restore goods to the Christian churches and to ensure that Christian ministers were freed from public duties. 1570, p. 141, 1576, p. 104, 1583, p. 103.
Constantine wrote to Pope Miltiades, instructing him to set up a synod to examine the cause of Cæcilian of Carthage, and sent letters to other bishops, issuing instructions and encouraging the ending of schisms. 1570, p. 141, 1576, p. 104, 1583, p. 103.
Initially Constantine and Licinius were on good terms, and Constantine gave Lucinius his sister in marriage. 1570, p. 122; 1576, p. 88; 1583, p. 87.
Licinius and Constantine issued a joint edict authorising freedom of worship for Christians. But Licinius began to turn against Constantine and the Christians, instigating a new, more surreptitious persecution. 1570, pp. 120-21, 122; 1576, pp. 86-87, 88; 1583, p. 86, 87.
Constantine defeated Licinius. 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
He wrote to Alexander of Alexandria and Arius, urging them to end their disagreement. 1570, p. 142, 1576, p. 104, 1583, p. 103.
Constantine built churches and schools and provided books of scripture. 1570, pp. 142-43, 1576, p. 105, 1583, pp. 103-04.
Constantine wrote a letter to Shapur II, asking him to treat the Christians in Persia well. 1570, p. 137; 1576, p. 100; 1583, p. 99.
Constantine renounced the Roman gods and was baptised. 1563, p. 8.
Constantine fulfilled St Cyprian's vision of a time of peace for the church. 1570, p. 144; 1576, p. 106; 1583, p. 105.
Close(d. 218) [D. Grau www.roman-emperors.org]
Son of Macrinus; joint Roman emperor with him (217 - 18); captured, executed
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 83; 1576, pp. 31, 57; 1583, pp. 31, 57.
Close(137 - 193) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Julianus won the bidding when the Praetorian Guard auctioned the empire
Roman emperor (28 March - 1 June 193); executed
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
CloseDaughter of General Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo [J. Donahue, sub Domitian www.roman-emperor.org]
Married Domitian 70 CE; probably exiled by him in 83; later recalled and remained with him until his death in 96
She is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(51 - 96) [J. Donahue www.roman-emperors.org]
Studied rhetoric and literature; brother of Titus
Roman emperor (81 - 96); murdered
The second persecution of the Christians began under Domitian. He caused himself to be worshipped as a god and persecuted senators. 1570, pp. 56-58; 1576, pp. 35-37; 1583, pp. 35-37.
Melito of Sardis, in his Apology, refers to him, along with Nero, as the worst persecutors of Christians. 1570, p. 75; 1576, p. 51; 1583, p. 51.
Domitian was persuaded to release the Jews he had seized and to cease the persecution of Christians. 1570, p. 64; 1576, p. 37; 1583, p. 37.
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(203x204 - 222) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
High priest at Emesa
Roman emperor (218 - 222); murdered with his mother
Heliogabalus lived a life of gluttony, debauchery and excess. He was killed by his soldiers, and his body was drawn through the streets and thrown into the Tiber. 1570, p. 83; 1576, p. 57; 1583, p. 57.
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 476) [H. Elton www.roman-emperors.org]
Brother of Leo I's widow; soldier; led a revolt against Zeno
Acclaimed Augustus in 475; forced to abdicate in 476; starved to death by Zeno
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 32; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 378) [N. Lenski www.roman-emperors.org]
Arian; Eastern Roman emperor (364 - 78); brother of Valentinian I; killed at the battle of Adrianopole
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 32; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 276) [R. McMahon www.roman-emperors.org]
Half-brother of Tacitus
Roman emperor (276); reigned c. two months; assassinated by his own troops
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 107; 1576, pp. 31, 76; 1583, pp. 31, 75.
Close(236/7 - 316) [R. W. Mathisen www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (284 - 305), succeeding Carus's son, Numerian, in the east; controlled the whole empire after the death of Carinus, Carus's younger son, in 285. Introduced tetrarchy; enforced imperial cult; abdicated.
Declined an offer to take the throne in 308; died at Split.
Diocletian came to the throne with the support of the troops. 1570, p. 108; 1576, p. 77; 1583, p. 76.
Having accused Aper of killing Numerian, Diocletian killed him with his sword in front of the troops. 1570, p. 109; 1576, p. 78; 1583, p. 77.
Diocletian commanded that he be worshipped as a god. 1570, p. 109; 1576, p. 78; 1583, p. 77.
Diocletian introduced the most severe persecution of the Christians. The persecution began with the destruction of churches and books of scripture. 1570, pp. 39, 109-111; 1576, pp. 31, 78-79; 1583, pp. 31, 77-79.
He went on use threats and imprisonment, and eventually he devised a great variety of tortures and methods of execution. 1570, pp. 112-14; 1576, pp. 80-81; 1583, pp. 79-81.
Diocletian abdicated and, having heard of the edict of Constantine and Licinius granting freedom of worship to Christians, died. 1570, p. 121; 1576, p. 87; 1583, p. 86.
Close(d. 311) [M. Di Maio www.roman-emperors.org]
Served as Diocletian's caesar in the East (293 - 305)
Roman emperor in the East (305 - 11)
Galerius was made ceasar in the eastern empire to deal with the Persian threat. 1570, p. 109; 1576, p. 78; 1583, p. 77.
He was the chief persecutor of the Christians, and developed an unpleasant illness. He issued a proclamation ending the persecution, but a few months later restrictions, banishment and persecutions began again. 1570, pp. 39, 115; 1576, pp. 31, 82-83; 1583, pp. 82-83.
Close(189 - 211) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Younger son of Septimius Severus
Roman emperor jointly with his brother Caracalla in 211; murdered at the order of Caracalla
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 83; 1576, pp. 31, 57; 1583, pp. 31, 57.
Close(225 - 244) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Grandson of Gordian I
Roman emperor (238 - 44); died on campaign against the Sassanids
Gordian was concerned for the welfare of the empire and ceased the persecution of the Christians. Foxe says he was killed by his successor, Philip the Arab. 1570, p. 86; 1576, p. 59; 1583, p. 59.
Close(d. 310) [M. Di Maio www.roman-emperors.org]
Soldier; Roman emperor (286 - 305); elevated by Diocletian to rule in the West; made to abdicate with Diocletian
Attempted to depose his son Maxentius in 308; proclaimed himself emperor in 310; imprisoned by his son-in-law Constantine and pardoned. Maximian plotted to have Constantine killed; Maximian died soon after, either by suicide or on the orders of Constantine.
Maximian was made emperor in the west because uprisings and unrest made it impossible for Diocletian to rule the entire empire alone. 1570, p. 109; 1576, p. 78; 1583, p. 77.
Maximian was a persecutor of Christians. He decimated the troops of Maurice twice when they refused to sacrifice to his gods and finally commanded they all be killed. 1570, pp. 113-14; 1576, p. 81; 1583, pp. 80-81.
Having abdicated with Diocletian, he attempted to regain power when his son Maxentius was set up as emperor. 1570, p. 118; 1576, p. 85; 1583, p. 84.
Maximian plotted to have Constantine, his son-in-law, killed; the plot was detected by Fausta, Constantine's wife. Maximian was killed on the return journey from Gaul. 1570, pp. 118-19; 1576, p. 85; 1583, p. 84.
Close(d. 251) [G. Nathan and R. McMahon, sub Trajan Decius, www.roman-emperors.org]
Elder son of Trajan Decius; appointed Caesar in 250, with younger brother; killed in battle against the Goths
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 235) [H. W. Benario, sub Severan Julias www.roman-emperors.org]
Younger daughter of Maesa; married Gessius Marcianus; mother of Severus Alexander. She effectively governed while Alexander was a minor and remained a dominant figure; assassinated with her son at Mainz
Mamaea sent for Origen, who remained for a time with her and Severus Alexander. She was killed with her son. 1570, p. 84; 1576, p. 58; 1583, p. 57.
Close(331 - 363) [W. E. Roberts and M. Di Maio www.roman-emperors.org]
Soldier; Roman emperor (360 - 63)
Neo-Platonist opponent of Christianity; died in battle against the Persians
Julian was responsible for the persecution of Christians. 1570, pp. 39, 137-38; 1576, pp. 32, 100-101; 1583, pp. 31, 99-101.
Close(d. 217) [M. L. Meckler, sub Caracalla www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman officer in the imperial bodyguard; charged with assassinating Emperor Caracalla in 217; said to have been killed
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(c. 265 - 324) [M. Di Maio www.roman-emperors.org]
of Dacia; Roman emperor (311 - 24), with Maximinus Daia
Married Constantine's sister; defeated Maximinus; fought Constantine; abdicated. He was arrested and executed by Constantine.
Licinius was made caesar after Severus II was killed fighting Maxentius. 1570, p. 114; 1576, p. 82; 1583, p. 81.
Initially Constantine and Licinius were on good terms, and Constantine gave Lucinius his sister in marriage. 1570, p. 122; 1576, p. 88; 1583, p. 87.
Licinius and Constantine issued a joint edict authorising freedom of worship for Christians. But Licinius began to turn against Constantine and the Christians, instigating a new, more surreptitious persecution. 1570, pp. 120-21, 122; 1576, pp. 86-87, 88; 1583, p. 86, 87.
Licinius continued persecution in the east after Constantine had caused it to cease in the west. 1570, p. 135; 1576, p. 98; 1583, p. 97.
Foxe says Licinius, having been defeated by Constantine and arrested, was killed by his own soldiers. 1570, pp. 39, 123; 1576, pp. 31, 88; 1583, pp. 31, 81, 88.
Close(c. 4 BCE - 65 CE) Roman philosopher, statesman, dramatist
Exiled to Corsica (41 - 49); tutor to Nero
Accused of involvement in the Pisonian conspiracy; ordered to commit suicide
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(145/6 - 211) [ODNB; M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (193 - 211); reformer and efficient administrator
Led imperial expedition into Britain to quell rebellions in 208; died at York
For the first ten years of his reign, Severus was favourable to the Christians, but then began to persecute them. 1570, p. 79; 1576, p. 54; 1583, p. 54.
Foxe says Severus built a great wall between England and Scotland and that he was killed under siege. 1570, p. 83; 1576, p. 57; 1583, p. 57.
Close(c. 165 - 218) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Bureaucrat; praetorian prefect under Caracalla
Roman emperor (217 - 218); captured and executed, as was his son Diadumenianus
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 83; 1576, pp. 31, 57; 1583, pp. 31, 57.
Close(d. 268) [R. D. Weigel www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman military commander of elite cavalry; rebelled against Emperor Gallienus and supported Postumus; killed by his own soldiers
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 253) [T. Banchich www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (c. July - c. September 253); killed by his troops
Aemilianus killed Gallus and his son through an uprising and three months later was himself killed. 1570, pp. 39, 85; 1576, pp. 31, 68; 1583, pp. 31, 67.
Close(39 - 65 CE) Roman poet
Accused of involvement in the Pisonian conspiracy; ordered to commit suicide
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(c. 232 - 282) [R. McMahon www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (276 - 82); he suffered a series of revolts; killed by his own troops
The reign of Probus was peaceful in general, and particularly for the Christians. 1570, p. 107; 1576, p. 76; 1583, p. 76.
Close(32 - 69) [J. Donahue www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman Emperor (Jauary - April 69) Governor of Lusitania (58 - 68)
Committed suicide
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(c. 278 - 312) [M. Di Maio www.roman-emperors.org]
Son of Maximian; married the daughter of Galerius
Roman emperor (306 - 12); entered into civil war with his father Maximian and with Galerius; died at the battle of Milvian Bridge
Maxentius was set up as emperor by the praetorian guard, but was opposed by his father. 1570, p. 118; 1576, p. 85; 1583, p. 84.
He initially feigned favouring the Christians in order to ingratiate himself with the people of Rome. He then instituted persecutions. 1570, p. 119; 1576, p. 85; 1583, p. 85.
The citizens and senators of Rome appealed to Constantine to rid them of Maxentius. Constantine responded and, having received a vision and taking the cross as his standard, defeated Maxentius at Milvian Bridge.1570, pp. 118-19; 1576, pp. 85-86; 1583, pp. 84-85.
While in retreat, Maxentius fell into the Tiber and, weighted down by his armour, drowned. 1570, pp. 39, 119; 1576, pp. 31, 86; 1583, pp. 31, 85.
Close(c. 270 - 313) [M. Di Maio www.roman-emperors.org]
Served as Galerius's caesar in the East (305 - 11)
Roman emperor of the East (311 - 13)
Maximinus fought off a revolt by Maxentius. He renewed persecution of the Christians after the publication of the toleration edict of Galerius. 1570, pp. 114, 117; 1576, pp. 82, 84; 1583, pp. 81, 83.
Maximinus issued contradictory edicts urging persecution and toleration of Christians. He eventually, after defeat by Licinius, turned against the priests of the Roman gods. 1570, pp. 121-22; 1576, pp. 87-88; 1583, pp. 86-87.
Maximinus died of an abdominal complaint. 1570, pp. 39, 122; 1576, pp. 31, 88; 1583, pp. 31, 88.
Close(c. 173 - 238) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (235 - 38); first of the soldier-emperors; killed with his son by his soldiers
Maximinus was chosen to be emperor by the soldiers, against the wishes of the senate. 1570, p. 84; 1576, p. 57; 1583, p. 57.
He revived the persecution of the Christians, concentrating especially on their leaders. 1570, pp. 85-86; 1576, p. 59; 1583, p. 59.
CloseC2 Roman athlete [D. Quinn, sub Commodus www.roman-emperors.org]
He was recruited in an orchestrated plot to assassinate Emperor Commodus; he strangled Commodus in his bath in 192
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 62 CE) [D. Hurley www.roman-emperors.org]
Daughter of Emperor Claudius; married Nero, her step-brother in 53 CE; divorced in 62 CE; murdered
She is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(126 - 193) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Teacher of grammar; soldier; urban of Rome 189
Roman emperor (192 - 93); killed by mutinous troops
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 56, 79; 1576, pp. 31, 36, 54; 1583, pp. 31, 36, 54.
Close(d. 249) [M. L. Meckler and C. Koerner www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (244 - 49); killed during mutiny
Philip and his family were converted to Christianity by Pope Fabian and Origen. 1570, p. 86; 1576, p. 60; 1583, p. 59.
He was said to have been converted by the Roman Christian priest Portius. 1570, p. 91; 1576, p. 64; 1583, p. 63.
Philip and his son were killed by Trajan Decius because they were Christians. 1570, p. 86; 1576, p. 60; 1583, p. 59.
Close(218 - 268) [R. D. Weigel www.roman-emperors.org]
Co-emperor with his father Valerian (253 - 60); sole Roman emperor (260 - 68) ; assassinated with his son and his brother
Excluded senators from military command; patron of philosophers
Gallienus participated in the persecutions of his father, but moderated his position after his father's capture by the Persians. 1570, pp. 105-06; 1576, pp. 75-76; 1583, pp. 74-75.
In a letter to the Persian king Shapur II, Constantine I used the examples of Gallienus and his father to illustrate that rulers prospered when they treated Christians well, but suffered ill fortune when they persecuted them. 1570, p. 137; 1576, p. 100; 1583, p. 99.
Close(d. 238) [R. McMahon www.roman-emperors.org]
Soldier, proconsul, consul twice
Co-emperor with Balbinus (238); killed with him by the Praetorian Guard
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(3 BCE - 69 CE) [J. Donahue www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (68 - 69); killed by rebels
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(208 - 235) [H. W. Benario www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (222 - 235); killed in mutiny at Mainz with his mother
Severus Alexander was wise and gentle and loathed corrupt judges. He appointed learned and wise counsellors. He treated the Christians favourably. He was killed with his mother. 1570, p. 83; 1576, p. 57; 1583, p. 57.
Close(d. 272)
King of Persia (241 - 272); earlier he shared rulership with his father, Ardashir I; warred against the Roman empire and captured Valerian
Shapur I captured Emperor Valerian in battle and kept him in captivity, humiliating him. 1570, p. 105; 1576, p. 75; 1583, p. 74.
Close(d. after 130 CE) Roman historian and biographer
Wrote Lives of the Caesars
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 276) [R. McMahon www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (275 - 76); died on return from a successful campaign in Asia Minor
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 107; 1576, pp. 31, 76; 1583, pp. 31, 75.
Close(39 - 81) [J. Donahue www.roman-emperors.org]
Son of Vespasian; participated in Judaean campaigns with his father
Roman emperor (79 - 81)
Titus and his father were responsible for the destruction of the Jews. 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 251) [G. Nathan and R. McMahon www.roman-emperors.org]
Consul, commander under Philip the Arab
Roman emperor (249 - 51); killed in battle against the Goths
Decius killed Emperor Philip the Arab and his son Philip because they were Christians. 1570, p. 86; 1576, p. 60; 1583, p. 59.
Great persecution of Christians took place during his reign. 1570, pp. 86-93; 1576, pp. 60-66; 1583, pp. 59-65.
Pomponius Laetus said that, when Decius was overcome by the Goths, rather than fall into their hands, he threw himself into a whirlpool and drowned. 1570, p. 94; 1576, p. 66; 1583, p. 66.
Close(c. 206 - 253) [R. S. Moore www.roman-emperors.org]
Senator; consul; governor of Upper Moesia
Roman emperor (251 - 53) with his son Volusianus; murdered with his son by mutinous troops
A great plaque raged during the reign of Gallus, so although he issued edicts for the persecution of Christians, the only effect was the exile of bishops 1570, p. 95; 1576, p. 66; 1583, p. 66.
Close(d. 260) [R. D. Weigel www.roman-emperors.org]
Commander under Decius; senator
Roman emperor (253 - 60); captured and killed by the Persians
In the early years of his reign, Valerian behaved favourably towards the Christians and the senate. 1570, p. 97; 1576, p. 68; 1583, p. 67.
Later, Valerian instigated a harsh persecution of the Christians. 1570, pp. 97-104; 1576, pp. 68-74; 1583, pp. 67-74.
Valerian was captured in battle by Shapur I and endured humiliations during his captivity before he was killed. 1570, p. 104; 1576, p. 74; 1583, p. 74.
In a letter to the Persian king Shapur II, Constantine I used the examples of Valerian and his son to illustrate that rulers prospered when they treated Christians well, but suffered ill fortune when they persecuted them. 1570, p. 137; 1576, p. 100; 1583, p. 99.
Close(9 - 79) [J. Donahue www.roman-emperors.org]
Soldier; invaded Britain in 43; suppressed Jewish revolt in 66
Roman emperor (69 - 79)
Vespasian and his son were responsible for the destruction of the Jews. 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
The first persecution of the Christians ended under Vespasian. 1570, p. 44; 1576, p. 35; 1583, p. 35.
Close(d. 253) [R. S. Moore www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (251 - 53) with his father Gallus; murdered with him by mutinous troops
There was no persecution of Christians during the reign of Volusianus and his father. 1570, p. 97; 1576, p. 68; 1583, p. 67.
Close(15 - 69) [J. Donahue www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (April -December 69); killed by Vespasian's troops
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 38; 1576, p. 31; 1583, p. 31.
Close(d. 491) [H. Elton www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor in the East (474 - 91); co-emperor with his son Leo II in 474; there were several revolts against him.
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 39; 1576, p. 32; 1583, p. 31.
Close(Maguntiacum) [Mentz; Moguntia; Moguntina]
Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Coordinates: 50° 0' 0" N, 8° 16' 16" E
Cathedral city; seat of the prince-elector of Mainz
Close(Tarsos; Juliopolis) [Iuliopolis; Tharsus]
Cilicia Prima (Mersin Province), Turkey
Coordinates: 36° 55' 0" N, 34° 54' 0" E
CloseA city and county of itself, having exclusive jurisdiction; locally in the East Riding of the county of York, of which it is the capital. 198 miles north-north-west from London. The city is the seat of the Archbishop, and comprised originally 33 parishes, reduced by amalgamation to 22; of which 33, 17 were discharged rectories, 10 discharged vicarages, and 6 perpetual curacies; all within the diocese of York.
[Back to Top]English information from Samuel Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of England (S. Lewis & Co: London, 1831)
Welsh information taken from Samuel Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales(Lewis & Co: London, 1840)
The reason for the use of these works of reference is that they present the jurisdictional and ecclesiastical position as it was before the major Victorian changes. The descriptions therefore approximate to those applying in the sixteenth century, after the major changes of 1535-42. Except for the physical locations, which have not changed, the reader should not therefore take these references as being accurate in the twenty-first century.
[Back to Top]spoken of in the gospel.MarginaliaThe abhomination of desolation standing in the holye place.His cruel condition, or els displeasure was such toward the Romaines, that he wished that all the people of Rome had but one necke, that hee at hys pleasure might destroy such a multitude. By this sayd Caligula, Herode the murtherer of Iohn Baptist, and condemner of Christ, was condemned to perpetuall banishment, where he died miserably.MarginaliaHerode miserably dyed in banishment.Cayphas also which wickedly sat vpon Christ, was the same tyme remoued from the high Priests roome, and Ionathan set in his place.MarginaliaCayphas depsed.The raging fiercenes of this Caligula incensed agaynst the Romaines, had not thus ceased, had not he bene cut of by the handes of a Tribune, and other gentle men, which slew him in the 4. yeare of hys raigne.MarginaliaAn. 43. After whose death was found in his closet. 2. litle libels, one called a sword, the other the daggar. In the which libels were contayned the names of those Senatours, and noble men of Rome, whom he had purposed to put to death. Besides this sword and daggar, there was found also a cofer, wherein diuers kindes of poyson were kept in glasses and vessels, for the purpose to destroy a wonderful number of people. Which poysons afterward being thrown into the sea, destroied a great number of fish. Gotfr. Viterb.MarginaliaEx Gotfrido Viterbiensi part. 15.
[Back to Top]But that which this Caligula had onely conceaued, the same did the other two, which came after, bring to passe, Claudius Nero,MarginaliaClaudius Nero. An. 56.who raygned xiii. yeares with no little cruelty. But especially the third of these Neroes, called Domitius Nero.MarginaliaDomitius Nero.Whiche succeeding after Claudius, rayned 14. yeares, with such fury and tyranny, that he slewe the most part of the Senats, he destroyd the whole order of knighthoode in Rome. So prodigious a monster of nature was he, more like a beast, yea rather a deuill then a man, that he seemed to be borne to the destruction of man.MarginaliaThe horrible wickednes and crueltie of Nero.Such was his monstrous vncleannes, þt he abstayned not from hys owne mother, his naturall sister, nor from any degree of kindred. Such was his wretched cruelty, that he caused to be put to death his mother, his brother in law, his sister, hys wyfe great with childe, also his instructor Seneca and Lucane, with diuers moe of his owne kindred and consanguinitie. Moreouer, he commaunded Rome to be set on fire in xij places, and so continued it 6. dayes and 7. nights in burning, while that he to see the example how Troy burned, sang the verses of Homere. And to auoide the infamie therof, he layd the fault vpon the Christian men, & caused them to be persecuted. And so continued this miserable Emperour in his reigne 14. yeares, till at last the Senate proclaiming him to be a publike enemie of mankind, condemned him to be drawn through the citie, and to be whipped to death. For the feare whereof, he flying the hands of his enemies, in the night fled to a manor of his seruants in the countrey, where he was forced to slay himselfe, complayning that he had then neither friend nor enemie left, that would do so much for him. In the latter end of this Domitius Nero, Peter also and Paul were put to death for the testimonie and faith of Christ. an. 69.MarginaliaPeter and Paule suffered for Christ. An. 69.
[Back to Top]Thus ye see, which is worthy to be marked, how the iust scourge and heauie indignation of God from tyme to tyme euer followeth there, and all things there go to ruine; neither doth any thing well prosper, where Christ Iesus the sonne of god is contemned, and not receiued, as by these examples may appeare, both of Romains which not only were thus consumed and plagued by their owne Emperors, but also by ciuile warres, wherof three were fought in two yeres at Rome, after the death of Nero, and other casualties (as in Sueton is testified) so þt in the dayes of Tiberius aforesaid, 5000. Romains were hurt and slaine at one time by fal of a Theatre. And also most especially by the destruction of the Iewes, which about this same tyme, an. 73. and 40. yeres after the passion of Christ, and the third yeare after the suffering of S. Peter and Paule, were destroied by Titus & Vespasian his father,MarginaliaVespasian Emperour and Titus his sonne. The dstruction of the Iewes.(who succeeded after Nero in the Empire) to the number of xj hundred thousand, besides them which Vespasian slue in subduing the country of Galilie, ouer and beside them also which were sold and sent into Egypt and other prouinces, to vile slauery, to the number of 17. thousand. 2000. were brought with Titus in his triumph, of which, part he gaue to be deuoured of the wild beasts, part otherwise most cruelly were slaine. By whose case al nations and realmes may take exāple,MarginaliaA note for all Realmes to marke.what it is to reiect the visitation of Gods veritie being sent, and much more to persecute thē which be sent of God for their saluation.
[Back to Top]And as this wrathfull vengeaunce of God thus hath ben shewed vpō this rebellious people both of the Iewes and of the Romains, for their contempt of Christ, whome God so punished by their own Emperours;MarginaliaRomanes in contemning Christ, punished by their owne Emperours. so neither the Emperors themselues, for persecuting Christ in his members escaped without their iust reward. For amongest somany Emperours, which put so may christian Martyrs to death, during the space of these first 300. yeares, fewe or none of them scaped either not slaine thēselues, or by some miserable end or other, worthily reuenged.MarginaliaExamples of the iust plague of God vpon the Romaine Emperours persecuting and resisting Christ till the time of Constantine.First, of þe poisoning of Tiberius, & of the slaughter of the other thre Neroes after him, sufficiently is declared before. After Nero, Domitius Galba. within 7. monthes was slaine by Ottho.MarginaliaTiberius. Caligula. Claudius Domitius. Nero. Galba. Ottho.And so did Ottho afterward slay himselfe, being ouercome by Vitellus.MarginaliaBitelius.And was not Vitellus shortly after drawen through the citie of Rome, and after he was tormēted, was thrown into Tiber? Titus a good Emperor, is thought to be poysoned of Domitian his brother.MarginaliaTitus. Domitian.The said Domitian after he had bene a persecutor of the christians, was slaine in his chamber, not without the consent of his wife. Likewise CommodusMarginaliaCommodus.was murdered of Narcissus. The like end was of Pertinax and Iulianus.MarginaliaPertinax. Iulianus.Moreouer, after that SeuerusMarginaliaSeuerus.was slayne here in England, and lieth at Yorke, did not his sonne Bassianus slay his brother Geta,MarginaliaGeta. Bassianus.and he after slaine of Martialis? Macrinus with his sonne Diadumenus were both slayne,MarginaliaMacrinus. Diadumenus.of their owne souldiours. After whom HeliagabolusMarginaliaHeliagabolus. that mōstrous bellypanch, was of his owne people slain, & drawn through the citie, and cast into Tiber. Alexander Seuerus,MarginaliaAlexande. Seuerus.that worthy and learned Emperour, which sayd he would not feede his seruants doing nothing, with the bowels of the common wealth; although in life and vertues, was much vnlike other Emperours, yet prooued the like ende; beyng slayne at Mentz, with his godly mother Mammea by Maximinus whom the Emperour before of a Muletor had aduaunced to great dignities. The which MaximinusMarginaliaMaximinus.also after three yeres was slaine himselfe of his souldiours. What should I speake of Maximus, and Balbinus,MarginaliaMaximinus. Balbinus.in like sort both slaine in Rome? Of Gordian slaine by Philip:MarginaliaGordianus. Philippus.of Philip the first christened Emperour, slaine or rather martired for the same cause? of wicked Decius,MarginaliaDecius.drouned, and his sonne slaine the same time in battail? Of Gallus and Volusianus his sōne,MarginaliaGallus & Volusianus.Emperours after Decius, both slaine by conspiracie of Æmilianus,MarginaliaAemilianus.who rose against them both in warre, and within three monthes after was slaine himselfe? Next to Æmilianus succeded Valerianus and Galianns his sonne,MarginaliaVarelianus & Galienus. of whome Valerianus (who was a persecuter of the Christians) was taken prisoner of the Persians, and there made a ridyng foole of Sapores their king, who vsed him for a stoole to leap vp vpon his horse, while his sonne Galienus sleepyng at Rome, either would not, or could not once proferre to reuenge his fathers ignominie. For after the taking of Valerian, so many Emperors rose vp as were prouinces in the Romaine Monarch: At length Galienus also was killed by Aureolus,MarginaliaAurelianus.which warred against him. It were too long here to speake of Aurelianus an other persecuter, slain of his Secretarie: Of Tacitus and Florinus his brother,MarginaliaTacitus. Florinus.of whom the first raigned 6. months, and was slaine at Pontus; the other raigned two months, and was murdred at Tarsis. Of Probus,MarginaliaProbus. who although a good ciuill Emperour, yet was he destroied by his souldiers. After whom CarusMarginaliaCarus. the next emperour was slaine by lightning. Next to Carus followed the impious and wicked persecuter Dioclesian,MarginaliaDioclesianus.with his fellowes Maximian, Galerius, Maximinus, Maxentius, and Licinius,MarginaliaMaximianus. Galerius. Maximinus. Maxentius. Licinius.vnder whom all at one time (during the life of Dioclesian) the greatest and most grieuous persecution was mooued against the Christians x. yeares together. Of which, Dioclesian and Maximinian deposed themselues frō the Empire. Galerius the chiefest minister of the persecution, after his terrible persecutions, fell into a wonderfull sicknesse, hauing such a sore risen in the neather part of his belly, which consumed his priuie members, and so did swarme with wormes, that being not curable, neither by Surgerie nor Phisike, he confessed, that it happened for his crueltie toward the Christians, and so called in his proclamations against them. Notwithstanding, he not able to sustain (as some say) the stench of his sore slue himselfe. Maximinus in his warre being tormented with payne in his guttes, there died. Maxentius was vanquished by Constantine, and drouned in Tiber. Licinius likewise beyng ouercome by the said Constantine the great, was deposed from his Empire, and afterward slaine of his souldiours. But on the other side, after the tyme of Constantine, when as the fayth of Christ was receiued into Imperiall seate, we read of no Emperour ofter the like sort destroied or molested, except it were Iulianus or Basilius which expelled one Zeno, & was afterward expelled himselfe: or Valende, besides these we read of no Emperour to come to ruine, as the other before mentioned. Ex lib hist. tripart.
[Back to Top]And thus haue we in a briefe summe collected out of the Chronicles, the vnquiet and miserable state of the Emperours of Rome, vntill the tyme of Christian Constantine, with the examples no lesse terrible then manifest, of Gods seuere iustice vpon them, for their contemptuous refusing