2020-01-03 Fri

Decius also recognized as Trajan Decius was Roman Emperor reigning from 249 to 251. He fought the Gothic invasion of Moesia and instituted the first organized persecution of Christians throughout the empire.

Decius was born at Budalia, near Sirmium in Pannonia Inferior. He became Roman emperor in 249 as a result of military victories. He made efforts to revive Rome's "Golden Age", adding the name of one of his most admired predecessors, Trajan, to his own, revived the ancient office of censor and restored the Colosseum. During his reign, he attempted to strengthen the Roman state and its religion, leading to the Decian persecution, where a number of prominent Christians (including Pope Fabian) were put to death.

Today, on 3rd January in 250 AD, Decius ordered everyone in the Roman Empire (except for Jews, who were exempted) to perform a sacrifice to the Roman gods and the well-being of the Emperor. The edict ordered that the sacrifices be performed in the presence of a Roman magistrate, and a signed and witnessed certificate be issued to that effect. It was the first time that Christians had faced legislation forcing them to choose between their religious beliefs and death.

The above shown silver Sestertius was issued under his reign from Roe mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the laureate and cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius right. On the other hand the reverse of a coin engraved emperor seated left on curule chair set upon low platform; to left, Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopia; to right, officer standing left; to lower left, citizen climbing steps, with both hands extended to receive donative.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions