Persecution is the act of harassing people on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs that differ from those of the persecutor. In 64 A.D. Christians were persecuted under the rule of Emperor Nero who ruled from 54-68 A.D.

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Dominic Agha-Rafei        Miss. Rouse        4RE4/4MI

Persecution is the act of harassing people on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs that differ from those of the persecutor. In 64 A.D. Christians were persecuted under the rule of Emperor Nero who ruled from 54-68 A.D.

When Nero first became emperor he had “good intentions” he was a good emperor and tried to rule Rome with compassion for his people. Under his Rule Rome continued to be a flourishing country. He ruled with two able tutors for about ten years but from 64A.D. he became power hungry and more selfish. He ordered the murder of his mother in 59 AD as she was accused of treason. At this his reign started to turn. He became self-obsessed and live in pleasure, not caring about the people around him.

Christians were persecuted by the Romans as they did not know a lot about them. The Christians also did not get involved or have any interest in politics, making them an easy target. At first the Romans thought Christians were Jewish, but they soon realized that they were from a different religion. The Roman officials feared this new, fast growing religion and feared that it would take over the religion of Rome. The religion was seen as a “cult” by the Roman authorities. It was believed that the cult performed acts in cannibalism and incest. They thought this because they called each other brother or sister, and to greet other Christians they would give them a kiss. As a result of this the Romans charged the Christians as committing incest. Also at Mass when a Christian eats the Body of Christ and drinks His blood, they took it literally and again charged them of cannibalism. The Christians were being called “abominations” and were being blamed for everything, even floods, draughts and famine. Hey refused to worship the Roman gods or the Emperor and were considered anti-social and were prosecuted as a result.  Christians were tortured and put to death if they refused to comply with Roman orders.  Nero also used the Christians as street lights and set them on fire at night to light up the streets.

Christians were persecuted soon after the fire of Rome, which was in 64AD. Although no one knows how the fire started people suspect that it was emperor Nero himself who started the fire, for two reasons. Some historians say that it was because Nero thought he was talented in the field of singing and made many songs and ballads, and some say he started the Fire to act as inspiration as he had writers block. However immediately after the fire he started to rebuild Rome and this lead to much speculation on whether he started it or not. It is possible that he did start the fire and wanted to make room for a new city built in his honour.

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The persecution of Christians by Nero is recorded in many accounts, some anti-Nero and some pro. A main source is Tacitus who was a non-Christian, who questioned their motives and a severe critic of Nero. He says that during the fire Nero used the Christians, who were already unpopular, as a scapegoat. This means he accused the Christians of starting the fire to shift the blame from him. Christians were disliked by the Romans as they were mixed up with the Jews who were rebellious and lazy, as they rested on the Sabbath.

First Christians who admitted their faith ...

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