# Persecution of Christians in Persia (c. 340)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/340-persecution-of-christians-in-persia
Location: Persian Empire
Themes: Persecution

The Sasanian king Shapur II launches a long persecution of Christians in the Persian Empire. At this point in the timeline (c. 340), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Julius I (6 February 337 – 12 April 352).

## Why it matters
Persecution of Christians in Persia 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 Julius I](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-julius-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Shapur II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shapur_II)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Persecution of Christians in Persia](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Persecution+of+Christians+in+Persia)
- [Wikipedia — Age Of Councils (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils)