The fire that consumed the scrolls and furnishings of the Christian church at Nicomedia marked the beginning of a holocaust that soon swept from one end of the Empire to the other. That same day, word spread through the city that Empress Prisca and Lady Valeria had been forced to recant, and the next brought publication of a second edict decreeing the destruction of Christian churches everywhere. In addition, Christians were deprived of all honors and dignities they had enjoyed until now, while those who failed to recant and publicly serve the old gods, were to be tortured. Every suit at law against them was also accepted without question by the courts, insuring that their property could be seized upon the slightest pretext.
They were further forbidden recourse to the courts in all questions of wrong, adultery or theft, assuring their tormentors of freedom from any punishment. Finally they were forbidden all the freedoms normally belonging to citizens of Rome, including the right to vote guaranteed to all citizens by law.
Dragging by the scruff
Troops under Constantine’s command were given the task of posting copies of the decree upon the doors of all public buildings and in other conspicuous places throughout the city. Before he was half finished, two soldiers came to him, dragging by the scruff of his robe an elderly man whose white hair was matted with blood. A dark swelling was already forming over one cheek, too, mute evidence that the prisoner had received rough treatment at the hands of his captors, who now thrust him forward so violently that he fell at Constantine’s feet.
“This man was caught removing one of the edicts the moment we finished putting it up, sir,” the first soldier reported.
“And he tore it to pieces,” the second added.
Constantine reached down and lifted the elderly man to his feet. “What is your name?” he asked gently.
“Amianus, noble Tribune.” The man showed no sign of fear, although he had difficulty in standing.
“Are you a Christian?”
At the word, Amianus straightened himself until he stood proudly erect. “I am an elder in the church of Nicomedia, sir.”
“Why did you tear down an imperial decree?”
“Because Caesar Galerius persuaded the Emperor to publish these edicts, so he can seize the possessions of Christians everywhere. He even had the second fire set in the palace, so he could blame it upon us.”
Constantine had heard the rumor before. Nor did he put it beyond Galerius to adopt such a strategy, for it was no secret in the East that, through the persecutions he had already ordered in areas under his command, he had amassed a considerable fortune in money and articles seized from Christians. But Galerius was not on trial; nor was it Constantine’s duty to do more than finish posting the imperial decrees and turn Amianus over to the proper legal authorities.
Read More about Decurion Paulos
