What emperor issued a decree that to be a Christian was punishable by death resulting in the martyrdom of Saint Ignatius of Antioch?

Answer 1

A:

According to Christian tradition, Saint Ignatius of Antioch was martyred in 117 CE, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, or perhaps Emperor Hadrian. To some extent, his death was not really a martyrdom, as he is said to have sent word to the Christians in Rome to do nothing in his defence because he would willingly die.

We know that Trajan directed the magistrates to punish such persons as are legally convicted, but prohibited them from making any inquiries concerning the supposed criminals. He rejected anonymous charges, as too repugnant to the equity of his government and he strictly required, for those to whom the guilt of Christianity is imputed, the positive evidence of a fair and open accuser.

If the accusers succeeded in their prosecution, they were exposed to the censure and ignominy that attended the character of an informer. If accusers failed in their proofs, they incurred the severe penalty for falsely accusing. Emperor Hadrian went even further than Trajan and stipulated the death penalty those who falsely attributed to their fellows the crime of Christianity.

So, although Christianity could be regarded as a crime, not by imperial edict but by a long tradition that required certain religious observances, the emperors gave those accused every opportunity to avoid trial and then every opportunity to avoid punishment.