Diocletian & Constantine

1. How did Diocletian persecute Christians?

Diocletian's had created the "Edict against the Christians.” It basically said to destruct all of Christian scriptures and places of worship across the Empire. Also, Christians weren’t allowed to attend any sort of worship gathering. Diocletian later created two more edicts. The first one ordered that any Christians in Nicomedia will be tortured and would be killed as punishment for arson. The second one said that the bishops and teachers of the churches throughout the empire should be taken prisoner and forced by torture to sacrifice to the Roman gods. In 304, a fourth edict made. It stated that all Christians had to offer sacrifices to the gods or else they’d be tortured. About 3,000-3,500 Christians were killed during this period of time. 

An example of his cruelty: A fire happened in the palace, and the were convinced it was the Christians. One christian was accused w/o a trial was found guilty. He was stripped, raised high, and scourged. Basically skinning him, the salt and vinegar were poured in his wounds and he was slowly boiled over an open flame. 

2. What happened with Constantine and Christians?

Constantine signed an edict allowing his people to practice whatever religion they like. He also donated money to the construction of churches. Constantine grew up in a Christian family.He gave the Christians rights. During battle of Milvian Bridge, he saw cross in the sky and the words "Conquer by thus" Christ appeared to him in a dream and told him it would protect him. Eusebius- historian who spoke to Constantine after this happened and got the story straight from him. He even admitted to his country that the Roman gods weren't the "real deal" and that the Christian God is the only god they should worship. 

3. What is the other thing that Constantine did that has to do with reconstructing the Roman Empire?

He issued the edict of Milan which said you can't persecute anyone anymore based on their religion. It also said that people couldn't seize Christians property anymore and if it was taken already, they would get it back.