Persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire began during the reign of Constantine the Great (r. 306–337) in the military colony of Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem), when he destroyed a pagan temple for the purpose of constructing a Christian church. Rome had periodically confiscated church properties, and Constantine was vigorous in reclaiming them whenever these issues were brought to his attention. Christian historians alleged that Hadrian (2nd century) had constructed a temple to Venus on the site of the crucifixion of Jesus on Golgotha hill in order to suppress Christian veneration there. Constantine used that to justify the temple's destruction, saying he was simply reclaiming the property.
Roman Emperor Constantius II closes all pagan temples
Persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire began during the reign of Constantine the Great (r. 306–337) in the military colony of Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem), when he destroyed a pagan temple...
Historical Significance
Persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire began during the reign of Constantine the Great (r.
Key People
Events Before
Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor
Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor
Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a g
Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a group of gladiators
Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the usurper Magnentius, in R
Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the usurper Magnentius, in Rome
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
Roman Emperor Constantius gives grand circus and theater shows to mark 30th year of his reign as Caesar in Arles
Roman Emperor Constantius gives grand circus and theater shows to mark 30th year of his reign as Caesar in Arles
Events After
Battle of Strasbourg: Roman Caesar Julian defeats the Alamanni tribal confederation led by King Chnodomar, who is captur
Battle of Strasbourg: Roman Caesar Julian defeats the Alamanni tribal confederation led by King Chnodomar, who is captured and taken to Rome in chains
Honoratus, first known Prefect of the City of Constantinople, takes office, after the Emperor Constantius creates a new
Honoratus, first known Prefect of the City of Constantinople, takes office, after the Emperor Constantius creates a new senate for the East
Athanasius returns to Alexandria
Athanasius returns to Alexandria
Emperor Julianus of Constantinople's "School Edict" prohibit Christian teachers from using pagan literature, which was s
Emperor Julianus of Constantinople's "School Edict" prohibit Christian teachers from using pagan literature, which was standard text for classical education at the time
The temple of Apollo at Daphne, outside of Antioch, is destroyed in a mysterious fire
The temple of Apollo at Daphne, outside of Antioch, is destroyed in a mysterious fire
More from the 350s
BC Herostratus sets fire to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to a localised form of the goddess Artemis (equated with the Roman goddess Diana).
Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor
Roman Emperor Constans is assassinated and the general Magnentius proclaims himself the new Emperor
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
Liberius begins his reign as Catholic Pope replacing Julius I
Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a g
Roman usurper Nepotianus of the Constantinian dynasty proclaims himself Roman Emperor and enters Rome at the head of a group of gladiators
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 19, 356?
- Persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire began during the reign of Constantine the Great (r. 306–337) in the military colony of Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem), when he destroyed a pagan temple for the purpose of constructing a Christian church. Rome had periodically confiscated church properties, and Constantine was vigorous in reclaiming them whenever these issues were brought to his attention.
- Why is Roman Emperor Constantius II closes all pagan temples significant?
- Persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire began during the reign of Constantine the Great (r.
- Who was involved in Roman Emperor Constantius II closes all pagan temples?
- Key figures include Constantius II (Roman emperor from 337 to 361).