Martyrdom in the Third Century Roman Empire: Perpetua and Felicitas

Martyrdom in the 3rd Century Roman Empire Reading the Martyrdom of Perpetua and Falicitas, it is easy to gather that the general feeling and attitudes of the Roman people toward Christians were intolerant at best. The very concept of Christianity, in that it is monotheistic is a threat to the ancient Roman culture. Romans, while not entirely religious in terms that we understand it now, believed that their Emperors were semi-divine and closely linked with their Gods. For Christians not to participate in sacrifice to the Emperors also meant that they were not sacrificing to the Gods which could have devastating effects on their overall livelihood as a people. Many customs, including public festivals and ancient traditions were denounced by the Christians; they ostracized themselves by refusing to adhere to said cultural norms, as well as refusing to join the military or take seats in public office. Around the first century there were sprinklings of Christians across the Mediterranean where Romans first began to take notice of a mystery religion popping up. From there through the fourth century when Constantine legalized the practice of Christianity there was much bloodshed, dissention, and persecution of Christian believers. It has been said that this type of Christian persecution generally hit in waves, and typically popped up during times of crisis and typically would vary from colony to colony.
At the time of the Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas, about the 3rd century, Rome began experiencing many different pressures that are speculated to have fueled the heavy bloodshed of the Christian people. Corruption of the aristocracy, even from the Emperor down had started coming to light. Additionally, there was fear and a sense of being besieged at the borders of the empire by Barbarians, Germans, and Persians at any time; this could have precipitated the pointing of the finger at an “easy” scapegoat – a new, mysterious religious faction that defies Roman Culture, religion, and customs. Individuals who converted to Christianity stopped sacrificing to the Gods altogether. As the population of Christian believers grew, Roman leaders could pass the blame of any level of trouble that descended on the Empire off on this “cult,” maintaining that their refusal to sacrifice to the Gods resulted in vengeance of the Gods wrought on the Empire, resulting in its ultimate collapse.
Even prior to the third century, Christians were beginning to turn themselves in to the Roman authorities in hopes of succumbing to martyrdom; many did this with the objective of solidifying their belief and perfecting their faith through selfless sacrifice for the masses. In turn, this perpetuated droves of Christians to attend the prisons where these captive individuals were held as they were viewed as saints with powers to heal and forgive the sins of those who have relapsed into a life of sin.

Work Cited “The Rise of Christianity”
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Lunn-Rockliffe, Sophie. “Christianity and the Roman Empire.” A History. BBC, 2011.
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“The Martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicitas.” Frontline. From Jesus to Christ Web. 26 August 2013. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/perpetua.html> “How Christianity Survived in Pagan Rome.” Christian Broadcasting Network. Christian History Web. 26 August 2013. <http://www.cbn.com/special/DaVinciCode/GRobertson_Christianity_PaganRome.aspx>