Beautiful silver reliquary with 10 relics of martyrs from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

Beautiful silver reliquary with 10 relics of martyrs from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

Italy 18th century

Size: 11 cm L x 8 cm W x 1 cm H

Martyrs:

S. Maximilian Martyr ( of Tebessa )

S. Cordi Martyr  ( Martyr Córdoba )

S. Honesti Martyr ( Saint Honestus )

S. Fortunati Martyr ( of Tebea )

S. Vittori Martyr ( of Cesarea )

S. Desidiori Martyr ( of Langres )

S. Felicis Martyr  ( of Roma )

S. Martidlis Martyr

S. Seperi Martyr ( of Escitópolis )

S. Theopholi Martyr ( of Tesalónica )

The Christian Martyrs Secured the Future of Christianity.

Despite facing persecution, Christianity continued to gain followers. By the start of the 4th century, around 10% of the population in the empire may have been Christians. This caused concern among some, as many of these followers held influential positions in society, leading to the belief that Christianity might take over the empire.

In February 303 CE, Emperor Diocletian ordered a direct attack on the Christian faith. Now it was to be eradicated once and for all. Soldiers stormed and razed the newly built Christian church in the eastern metropolis of Nicomedia. The city’s Christians were executed and their holy books were burned.

Emperor Diocletian’s efforts to eliminate Christianity were largely unsuccessful. The number of Christians continued to increase. When Diocletian stepped down in 305 CE, Constantine was among the contenders for the role of emperor. He recognized that it was not possible to eliminate Christianity, so he decided to use it to gain an advantage in the competition for the throne.