Decius

Bust of Decius (loan from Capitoline Museums) - Glyptothek - Munich - Germany 2017

Decius (Latin: Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius) was Roman Emperor from 249 to 251. His reign is notable for the Decian persecution of Christianity, one of the most severe persecutions Christians faced in the early Roman Empire. Decius was the first emperor to initiate such a persecution through an empire-wide edict, marking a significant event in Roman history and Christian history.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Decius was born in approximately 201 AD in the region of Illyria, in what is now modern-day Serbia. Little is known about his early life and rise to power, but he emerged from a family of senatorial rank, indicating a background of considerable social standing and influence. Before becoming emperor, Decius held several important positions within the Roman military and administrative spheres, showcasing his capabilities as a leader and a strategist.

In 249, Decius was proclaimed emperor by his troops, following a successful campaign in the Danubian provinces. His rise to power came amidst a period of significant turmoil and military challenges for the Roman Empire, including invasions by Goths and other barbarian groups. Decius succeeded Philip the Arab, whose reign ended after a brief civil war in which Decius emerged victorious.

Reign

As emperor, Decius sought to restore the traditional Roman values and religious practices that he believed were the foundation of Roman strength and prosperity. This led to the implementation of policies aimed at reinforcing the authority of the Roman state religion and the suppression of other religious movements, including Christianity.

Decian Persecution

The most infamous aspect of Decius's reign was the issuance of an edict in 250, requiring all Roman citizens to perform a religious sacrifice to the Roman gods and the well-being of the emperor in the presence of a Roman official. This act was intended to demonstrate loyalty to the state and its traditional religious practices. Christians, who refused to perform sacrifices to any gods but their own, were faced with imprisonment, torture, and execution, leading to what is known as the Decian persecution.

The persecution had a profound impact on the Christian community, leading to debates over how to deal with those who had lapsed under pressure (the Libellatici) and the strengthening of the Christian community's identity in opposition to the Roman state.

Military Campaigns

Decius's reign was also marked by military challenges. He led several campaigns against the Goths and other barbarian groups who threatened the borders of the Roman Empire. In 251, Decius and his son, Herennius Etruscus, who had been elevated to co-emperor, died in the Battle of Abrittus against the Goths. This defeat was a significant blow to the Roman military and marked the first time a Roman emperor died in battle against a foreign enemy.

Legacy

Decius's policies, particularly the persecution of Christians, had a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. While his attempts to revive traditional Roman religious practices were short-lived, the Decian persecution demonstrated the extent to which the Roman state would go to assert its authority over religious practices. His death marked the beginning of a period of instability and crisis for the Roman Empire, often referred to as the Crisis of the Third Century.