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'''Christian persecution''' has occured from the very beginnings of Christianity and continues today.  The most notable period regarding the persecution of [[Christian]]s is the Ancient [[Roman]] times. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered by [[crucifixion]] and being put in arenas with [[lion]]s. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors. Christians continue to be persecuted around the world today in [[communist]] countries like [[China]], and [[Islamic]] countries.

'''Christian persecution''' has occured from the very beginnings of Christianity and continues today.  Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and even death because of their faith.<ref>http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Christian/Persecution/</ref> In 1998, the publication, [[The Voice of the Martyrs]] named 42 countries where Christians are facing persecution in various forms such as arrest, imprisonment, physical torture and death.<ref>http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/1096.htm</ref>

 

Early  [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Roman]]. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered by [[crucifixion]] and being put in arenas with [[lion]]s. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors. Christians continue to be persecuted around the world today in [[communist]] countries like [[China]], and [[Islamic]] countries.

This persecution continued up through the fourth century, when Constantine's [[Edict of Milan]] in 317 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance.  In 393 A.D., Christianity became the state religion of Rome, gaining strength after Constantine's conquest of Rome from his fellow ''caesars'' of the time.<ref>"... in 391 AD, Christianity became the official, and only, state religion of the empire." [http://www.hyw.com/Books/History/Rome__Le.htm The Legacy of Rome] </ref>   

This persecution continued up through the fourth century, when Constantine's [[Edict of Milan]] in 317 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance.  In 393 A.D., Christianity became the state religion of Rome, gaining strength after Constantine's conquest of Rome from his fellow ''caesars'' of the time.<ref>"... in 391 AD, Christianity became the official, and only, state religion of the empire." [http://www.hyw.com/Books/History/Rome__Le.htm The Legacy of Rome] </ref>   

# The removal of avowed polytheists from office.

# The removal of avowed polytheists from office.

Persecution generally ended in 317, with the Edict of Milan.

Persecution generally ended in the Roman Empire in 317 A.D., with the [[Edict of Milan]].

== References ==

== References ==