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'''Christian persecution''' has occurred from the very beginnings of [[Christianity]] and continues today.  Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and sometimes death because of their faith.<ref>[http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Christian/Persecution/ International Persecution of Christians]</ref>  

'''Christian persecution''' has occurred from the very beginnings of [[Christianity]] and continues today.  Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and sometimes death because of their faith.<ref>[http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Christian/Persecution/ International Persecution of Christians]</ref>  

==Ancient Rome==

==Ancient Rome==

Early  [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Roman]]. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly executed by crucifixion and being put in arenas with lions. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors.  

Early  [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Rome]]. Christians were most commonly executed by crucifixion and being put in arenas with lions. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors.  

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 313 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance.  In 391 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>   

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

Persecution generally ended in the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., with the [[Edict of Milan]].

==Reformation Europe==

==Reformation Europe==

During the [[Protestant Reformation]] many martyrs to the faith on both sides were persecuted and killed.

During the [[Protestant Reformation]] many martyrs to the faith on both sides were persecuted and killed.