Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Emperor Valerian persecute Christian leaders?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Mosaic: Christianity — Christianity Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Práxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana basilica, Rome, 401–417 ce.

The persecution of Christian leaders under Emperor Valerian (reigned 253–260) was a targeted effort to dismantle the church by specifically eradicating its leadership.12

Unlike earlier, more general persecutions that focused on forcing all citizens to offer sacrifice to pagan gods, Valerian’s policy was strategically aimed at the hierarchy of the church. During the wave of persecution that occurred between 257 and 259, the emperor issued edicts that directly struck at the clergy and church property.123

As part of this campaign, prominent figures were arrested, tried, and executed. Notable victims of these measures included:

St. Cyprian: The bishop of Carthage was initially sent into enforced residence at Curubis before being brought back to Carthage, where he was condemned to death and martyred in 258.14
Sixtus II: The bishop of Rome was also executed during this period.14

The persecution ended when Valerian was captured by the Persians in 260, after which his son Gallienus issued an edict of toleration that restored confiscated church property.124