# Decian persecution (250)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/250-decian-persecution
Location: Roman Empire
Themes: Persecution

Emperor Decius requires all inhabitants to sacrifice to the gods; Pope Fabian is martyred and many Christians lapse. At this point in the timeline (250), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Fabian (10 January 236 – 20 January 250).

## Why it matters
Decian persecution mattered because it shows how Christians and others suffered for faith and how violence shaped the church's memory and identity.

Pope at the time: [Pope Fabian](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-fabian)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Decian persecution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decian_persecution)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Decian persecution](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Decian+persecution)
- [Wikipedia — Early Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ante-Nicene_period)