By place Roman Empire •
Great Persecution: Emperor
Diocletian launches the last and largest major persecution of
Christians in the Empire. Caesar
Galerius and
Hierocles are said to have been the instigators. In a series of four edicts published from
February 23, 303, to 304, the Christians are forbidden to worship in groups, are made to perform sacrifices, and must surrender sacred texts. Churches are destroyed, and the clergy are arrested en masse. The persecution lasts in some parts of the empire until 313, and thousands of Christians are killed. Those put to death include
Agnes of Rome, a 12-year-old Christian girl who has refused
marriage and consecrated her
virginity to
God. Hailed as a
martyr, she will be honored as the
patron saint of
chastity,
gardeners,
rape victims and virgins. •
September 25 – On a voyage preaching the
gospel,
Saint Fermin of
Pamplona is
beheaded in
Amiens (Modern day
France). •
November 20 – The
Augusti Diocletian and
Maximian reunite in
Rome to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Diocletian's accession, which is now treated as a joint anniversary for both emperors. A series of columns in the
Roman Forum and a triumphal arch are dedicated to the emperors. The two emperors also agree on a plan of abdication. • Galerius wins his third victory over the
Carpi and is perhaps joined on campaign by Diocletian. The
Arch of Galerius is dedicated in
Thessaloniki. • Caesar
Constantius I wins a victory over Germanic invaders in the battle of
Vindonissa.
Armenia •
Etchmiadzin Cathedral is completed by
Gregory the Illuminator and
Tiridates III, king of Armenia. •
January 6 – Baptism of
Tiridates III of Armenia.
America • In
Mexico, the civilization of
Teotihuacan flourishes.
By topic Religion •
March 4 –
Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia are
martyred. == Births ==