The video explores the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, focusing on the edict of Emperor Decius in the 3rd century. It discusses the motivations behind the edict, which required sacrifices to the Roman gods, and examines whether it specifically targeted Christians. The video presents differing historical perspectives and highlights archaeological evidence, such as certificates of sacrifice, to understand the edict's implications. It also delves into the role of public sacrifices in Roman society and the unintended consequences for Christians who refused to comply.

What evidence do historians use to argue that Decius's edict was a public supplication to the gods?

How did the role of the emperor as Pontifex Maximus relate to the edict of Decius?

What were the unintended consequences of Decius's edict for Christians who refused to sacrifice?