The Hadrian Persecution
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The Hadrian Persecution (117-138 AD):
The persecution of Christians during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) occurred in a complex and shifting context of Roman governance and societal attitudes toward new religious movements. Hadrian is often regarded as a more benevolent ruler than his predecessors, yet his policies reflected a mixture of tolerance and hostility towards Christians. Hadrian ascended to the throne in 117 AD, following the death of Trajan. His reign was marked by significant military campaigns and efforts to consolidate and stabilize the Roman Empire. While Hadrian’s overall approach to governance was characterized by a degree of pragmatism, Christians continued to face persecution, particularly in regions where local authorities felt threatened by their growing numbers and refusal to adhere to traditional Roman religious practices.
Hadrian’s edicts, such as the Rescript of Hadrian, revealed his attempt to regulate how Christians were treated. While he condemned excessive cruelty and ordered that trials should be conducted fairly, he still permitted local authorities to act against Christians accused of illegal activities, which often led to arrests and executions. Hadrian’s policies thus created an environment where Christians could be persecuted based on local political dynamics, community tensions, or personal vendettas.
Saint Eustace was martyred in AD 118, at the command of emperor Hadrian. Eustace was a pagan Roman general, who converted to Christianity after he had a vision of the cross while hunting. He lost all his wealth, was separated from his wife and sons, and went into exile in Egypt. Called back to lead the Roman army by emperor Trajan, Eustace was happily reunited with his family and restored to high social standing, but after the death of Trajan, he and his family were martyred under Hadrian for refusing to sacrifice to pagan Roman gods.