On the Deaths of the Persecutors 1.1–18.15
Latin text: CSEL 27.2 (Latin text: S. Brandt and G. Laubmann (CSEL 27.2, 1897), digitized by Open Greek and Latin, University of Leipzig (csel-dev), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0). Compare: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 7 (1886).
Chapter 1
1.1CSEL 27.2:171
Audiuit dominus orationes tuas, Donate carissime, quas in conspectu eius per omnes horas < cotidie fundebas, ceterorumque> fratrum nostrorum, qui gloriosa confessione sempiternam sibi coronam pro fidei meritis quaesierunt.
The Lord has heard your prayers, dearest Donatus, which you poured out in his sight every hour, day after day, and the prayers of the rest of our brothers, who by a glorious confession have won for themselves an everlasting crown as the reward of their faith.
Notes and citation
Summary: Lactantius addresses Donatus, a confessor, and says God has heard the prayers of the persecuted.
- The work is a polemical history: it presents the deaths of persecuting emperors as God's punishment. Its account is an important source for the Great Persecution (303–313) but is written from a partisan standpoint, and some details are not confirmed by other sources. Words in angle brackets in the edition are the editor's supplements where the single manuscript is damaged; they are translated.
Topics: Persecution, Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 1.1 (CSEL 27.2:171; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-1-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
1.2CSEL 27.2:171–172
ecce, deletis omnibus aduersariis, restituta per orbem tranquillitate, profligata nuper ecclesia rursum exurgit et maiore gloria templum dei, quod ab impiis fuerat euersum, misericordia domini fabricatur.
See: all the adversaries have been destroyed, peace has been restored throughout the world, and the church, lately struck down, rises again, and the temple of God, which the ungodly had overthrown, is being built up with greater glory by the Lord's mercy.
Notes and citation
Summary: With the persecutors destroyed, the church is being rebuilt in greater glory.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 1.2 (CSEL 27.2:171–172; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-1-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
1.3CSEL 27.2:172
excitauit enim deus principes qui tyrannorum nefaria et cruenta imperia resciderunt <et> humano generi prouiderunt, ut iam quasi discusso tristissimi temporis nubilo mentes omnium pax iucunda et serena laetificet.
For God has raised up rulers who have rescinded the wicked and bloody commands of the tyrants and have provided for the human race, so that now, as if the cloud of a most grievous time had been scattered, a pleasant and serene peace gladdens the minds of all.
Notes and citation
Summary: God raised up rulers who cancelled the tyrants' decrees and brought peace.
- The rulers meant are Constantine and Licinius.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 1.3 (CSEL 27.2:172; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-1-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
1.4CSEL 27.2:172
nunc post atrae tempestatis uiolentos turbines placidus aer et optata lux refulsit, nunc placatus seruorum suorum <precibus> deus iacentes et afflictos caelesti auxilio subleuauit, nunc maerentium lacrimas extincta impiorum conspiratione detersit.
Now, after the violent whirlwinds of a black storm, a calm sky and the longed-for light have shone again; now God, appeased by the prayers of his servants, has lifted up with heavenly help those who lay prostrate and afflicted; now, the conspiracy of the ungodly being extinguished, he has wiped away the tears of those who mourned.
Rev 21:4 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: After the storm God has answered his servants' prayers and wiped away the tears of the mourners.
Topics: Persecution, Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 1.4 (CSEL 27.2:172; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-1-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
1.5CSEL 27.2:172
qui insultauerant deo, iacent, qui templum sanctum euerterant, ruina maiore ceciderunt, qui iustos excarnificauerant, caelestibus plagis et cruciatibus meritis nocentes animas profuderunt.
Those who had insulted God lie low; those who had overthrown the holy temple have fallen with a greater ruin; those who had butchered the righteous have poured out their guilty souls under heavenly blows and deserved torments.
Notes and citation
Summary: The persecutors have fallen and died under God's blows.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 1.5 (CSEL 27.2:172; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-1-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
1.6CSEL 27.2:172–173
sero id quidem, sed grauiter ac digne. distulerat enim poenas eorum deus, ut ederet in eos magna et mirabilia exempla, quibus posteri discerent et deum esse unum et eundem iudicem digna uid<elicet> supplicia impiis ac persecutoribus inrogare.
Late indeed, but heavily and fittingly. For God had put off their punishment in order to display in them great and wonderful examples, from which those who come after might learn both that God is one and that he, the same God, as judge inflicts fitting punishments on the ungodly and the persecutors.
Notes and citation
Summary: God delayed their punishment to make them lasting examples that he is the one God and judge.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 1.6 (CSEL 27.2:172–173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-1-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
1.7CSEL 27.2:173
de quo exitu <eorum tes>tificari placuit, ut omnes qui procul remoti fuerunt uel qui p<ostea fu>turi sunt, scirent, quatenus uirtutem ac maiestatem suam in ex<tinguen)dis delendisque nominis sui hostibus deus summus ostenderit. ab re ta<men non) est, si a principio, ex quo est ecclesia constituta, qui fuerint persecutores <eius> et quibus poenis in eos caelestis iudicis seueritas uindicauerit, exponam.
It has seemed good to me to bear witness to their end, so that all who were far away, or who will live hereafter, may know how the most high God has shown his power and majesty in extinguishing and destroying the enemies of his name. Yet it is not out of place if I set out from the beginning, from the time the church was founded, who were its persecutors and with what punishments the severity of the heavenly judge took vengeance on them.
Notes and citation
Summary: Lactantius announces his aim: to record how God destroyed the persecutors, starting from the church's beginnings.
- The damaged text of this sentence is supplemented by the editor (words in angle brackets).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread of the editor's angle bracket): < eorum tes)tificari → <eorum tes>tificari.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 1.7 (CSEL 27.2:173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-1-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 2
2.1CSEL 27.2:173–174
Extremis temporibus Tiberii Caesaris, ut scriptum legimus, dominus noster Iesus Christus a Iudaeis cruciatus est post diem decimum Kalendas Apriles duobus Geminis consulibus.
In the last times of Tiberius Caesar, as we read in writing, our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified by the Jews, after the tenth day before the Kalends of April, when the two Gemini were consuls.
Luke 3:1 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ was crucified late in Tiberius's reign, in the consulship of the two Gemini.
- The consuls C. Fufius Geminus and L. Rubellius Geminus held office in AD 29; the tenth day before the Kalends of April is 23 March. This dating is traditional in Latin writers and is not the date favoured by most modern historians (AD 30 or 33). The phrase “by the Jews” is the author's.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.1 (CSEL 27.2:173–174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
2.2CSEL 27.2:174
cum resurrexisset die tertio, congregauit discipulos, quos metus comprehensionis eius in fugam uerterat, et diebus XL cum his commoratus aperuit corda eorum et scripturas interpretatus est, quae usque ad id tempus obscurae atque inuolutae fuerant, ordinauitque eos et instruxit ad praedicationem dogmatis ac doctrinae suae disponens testamenti noui sollemnem disciplinam.
When he had risen on the third day, he gathered his disciples, whom fear at his arrest had put to flight, and remaining with them forty days he opened their hearts and interpreted the Scriptures, which until that time had been obscure and wrapped in mystery; and he ordained and instructed them for the preaching of his teaching and doctrine, setting in order the solemn discipline of the new covenant.
Acts 1:3 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 24:45 (allusion, high confidence) · Mark 14:50 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The risen Christ spent forty days with his disciples, opened the Scriptures to them, and commissioned them to preach.
Topics: Christology, Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.2 (CSEL 27.2:174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
2.3CSEL 27.2:174
quo officio repleto circumuoluit eum procella nubis et subtractum oculis hominum rapuit in caelum.
When this task was fulfilled, a storm-cloud wrapped him about, and, withdrawn from human sight, it carried him up into heaven.
Acts 1:9 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ was taken up into heaven in a cloud.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.3 (CSEL 27.2:174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
2.4CSEL 27.2:174
et inde discipuli, qui tunc erant undecim, adsumptis in locum Iudae proditoris Mathia < et> Paulo dispersi sunt per omnem terram ad euangelium praedicandum, sicut illis magister dominus imperauerat, et per annos XXV usque ad principium Neroniani imperii per omnes prouincias et ciuitates ecclesiae fundamenta miserunt.
And from there the disciples, who were then eleven, having taken Matthias and Paul in place of Judas the traitor, were scattered through all the earth to preach the gospel, as their Master the Lord had commanded them, and for twenty-five years, until the beginning of Nero's reign, they laid the foundations of the church through all the provinces and cities.
Acts 1:26 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 28:19 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The apostles, joined by Matthias and Paul, spread through the world and founded churches for twenty-five years.
- “and” before Paul is the editor's supplement. The twenty-five years are the author's reckoning (Nero began to reign in AD 54).
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.4 (CSEL 27.2:174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
2.5CSEL 27.2:174
cumque iam Nero imperaret, Petrus Romam aduenit et editis quibusdam miraculis, quae uirtute ipsius dei data sibi ab eo potestate faciebat. conuertit multos ad iustitiam deoque templum fidele ac stabile conlocauit.
And when Nero was already reigning, Peter came to Rome, and by performing certain miracles, which he did by the power of God himself, a power given him by God, he converted many to righteousness and set up for God a faithful and stable temple.
Notes and citation
Summary: Peter came to Rome under Nero, worked miracles, and founded a faithful church there.
- Peter's coming to Rome is an early tradition; the time of his arrival is not recorded in the New Testament.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.5 (CSEL 27.2:174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
2.6CSEL 27.2:174–175
qua re ad Neronem delata cum animaduerteret non modo Romae, sed ubique cotidie magnam multitudinem deficere a cultu idolorum et ad religionem nouam damnata uetusta transire, ut erat execrabilis ac nocens tyrannus, prosiliuit ad excidendum caeleste templum delendamque iustitiam et primus omnium persecutus dei seruos Petrum cruci adfixit, Paulum interfecit. nec tamen habuit inpune.
When this was reported to Nero, and he noticed that not only at Rome but everywhere a great multitude was daily falling away from the worship of idols and, condemning the old, going over to the new religion, then, being the accursed and harmful tyrant he was, he sprang forward to cut down the heavenly temple and to destroy righteousness, and, first of all men to persecute the servants of God, he fastened Peter to a cross and killed Paul. Yet he did not go unpunished.
Notes and citation
Summary: Nero, the first persecutor, crucified Peter and killed Paul, but did not escape punishment.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.6 (CSEL 27.2:174–175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
2.7CSEL 27.2:175
respexit enim deus uexationem populi sui. deiectus itaque fastigio imperii ac deuolutus a summo tyrannus impotens nusquam repente comparuit, ut ne sepulturae quidem locus in terra tam malae bestiae appareret.
For God looked upon the affliction of his people. And so the tyrant, powerless, cast down from the height of empire and tumbled from the summit, suddenly vanished, so that not even a place of burial for so evil a beast was to be seen on earth.
Exod 3:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God saw his people's affliction; Nero fell from power and vanished without a known grave.
- Nero died by suicide in AD 68 and was in fact buried in the family tomb of the Domitii, according to Suetonius; the author's claim reflects the rumours of his disappearance.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.7 (CSEL 27.2:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
2.8CSEL 27.2:175–176
unde illum quidam deliri credunt esse translatum ac uiuum reseruatum, Sibylla dicente matricidam profugum a finibus <terrae> esse uenturum, ut quia primus persecutus est, idem etiam nouissimus persequatur et antichristi praecedat aduentum — < quod n >efas est credere —, sicut duos prophetas uiuos esse translatos in ultima <tempora> ante imperium Christi sanctum ac sempiternum, cum descendere coeperit, < quidam sanctor >um pronuntient: eodem modo etiam Neronem uenturum putant, < ut praecu>rsor diaboli ac praeuius sit uenientis ad uastationem terrae et huma<ni ge>neris euersionem.
Hence some crazed people believe that he was carried away and kept alive, since the Sibyl says that a fugitive matricide will come from the ends of the earth, so that, because he was the first to persecute, he may also be the last to persecute and may precede the coming of Antichrist; but it is wrong to believe this. Just as certain holy men declare that two prophets were carried away alive to the last times, before the holy and everlasting reign of Christ, when he begins to descend, so in the same way they think that Nero too will come, to be the forerunner of the devil and go before him as he comes to lay waste the earth and overthrow the human race.
Rev 11:3 (allusion, medium confidence) · Gen 5:24 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Kgs 2:11 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Lactantius rejects the belief, drawn from the Sibyl, that Nero lives on and will return before Antichrist.
- On the Nero legend see Sib. Or. 4.119–124 and 5.137–154, 361–370. The two prophets are Enoch and Elijah, taken up alive (Gen 5:24; 2 Kgs 2:11), often identified with the two witnesses of Rev 11:3. Several words are the editor's supplements.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (words run together in the digital text): acuiuum → ac uiuum.
Extrabiblical texts: Sib. Or. 4.119–124 (Sibylline Oracles; allusion)
Topics: Eschatology, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 2.8 (CSEL 27.2:175–176; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-2-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 3
3.1CSEL 27.2:176–177
<P)ost hunc interiectis aliquot annis alter non minor tyrannus <Domitianus> ortus est. <qui> cum exerceret inuisam dominationem, subiectorum tamen ceruicibus incubauit quam diutissime tutusque regnauit, donec impias manus aduersus dominum tenderet.
After him, when some years had passed, another tyrant no less than he arose, Domitian. Although he exercised a hated domination, he still lay heavy on the necks of his subjects for a very long time and reigned in safety, until he stretched out his impious hands against the Lord.
Notes and citation
Summary: Domitian ruled long and safely until he turned against the Lord.
- “Domitian” and “who” are the editor's supplements.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 3.1 (CSEL 27.2:176–177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-3-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
3.2CSEL 27.2:177
postquam uero ad persequendum iustum populum instinctu daemonum incitatus est, tunc traditus in manus inimicorum luit poenas. nec satis ad ultionem fuit quod est interfectus domi: etiam memoria nominis eius erasa est.
But after he was stirred up by the prompting of demons to persecute the righteous people, then he was handed over into the hands of his enemies and paid the penalty. Nor was it enough for vengeance that he was killed in his own palace: even the memory of his name was erased.
Notes and citation
Summary: Once Domitian persecuted, he was murdered in his palace and his memory was erased.
- Domitian was assassinated in AD 96; the senate condemned his memory.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 3.2 (CSEL 27.2:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-3-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
3.3CSEL 27.2:177
nam cum multa mirabilia opera fabricasset, cum Capitolium aliaque nobilia monumenta fecisset, senatus ita nomen eius persecutus est, ut neque imaginum neque titulorum eius relinqueret ulla uestigia, grauissime decretis etiam mortuo notam inureret ad ignominiam sempiternam.
For although he had built many wonderful works, although he had made the Capitol and other famous monuments, the senate so persecuted his name that it left no trace of his statues or his inscriptions, and by the gravest decrees branded him even after death for his everlasting disgrace.
Notes and citation
Summary: The senate destroyed Domitian's statues and inscriptions to disgrace him forever.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 3.3 (CSEL 27.2:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-3-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
3.4CSEL 27.2:177–178
rescissis igitur actis tyranni non modo in statum pristinum ecclesia restituta est, sed etiam multo clarius ac floridius enituit, secutisque temporibus, quibus multi ac boni principes Romani imperii clauum regimenque tenuerunt, nullos inimicorum impetus passa manus suas in orientem occidentemque porrexit, ut iam nullus esset terrarum angulus tam remotus quo non religio dei penetrasset, nulla denique [dei] natio tam feris moribus uiuens, ut non suscepto dei cultu ad iustitiae opera mitesceret. sed enim postea longa pax rupta est.
And so, the acts of the tyrant having been rescinded, the church was not only restored to its former state but shone out far more brightly and flourishingly; and in the following times, when many good emperors held the helm and government of the Roman empire, suffering no assaults from enemies, it stretched out its hands to the east and the west, so that there was now no corner of the earth so remote that the religion of God had not reached it, and no nation, finally, living with manners so savage that it did not grow gentle for the works of righteousness by receiving the worship of God. But afterwards the long peace was broken.
Notes and citation
Summary: After Domitian the church enjoyed a long peace and spread to the ends of the earth, until that peace was broken.
- The edition brackets the word “of God” after “no” (nulla [dei] natio) as spurious; it is left out. The author's picture of an unbroken peace from Domitian to Decius passes over the local persecutions of the second and third centuries.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR debris in the digital text): restitutar.a» → restituta.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 3.4 (CSEL 27.2:177–178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-3-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 4
4.1CSEL 27.2:178
Extitit enim post annos plurimos execrabile animal Decius, qui uexaret ecclesiam: quis enim iustitiam nisi malus persequatur?
For after very many years there arose an accursed animal, Decius, to harass the church: for who persecutes righteousness but an evil man?
Notes and citation
Summary: After many years Decius arose to persecute the church.
- Decius reigned AD 249–251.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray hyphen in the digital text): -nisi → nisi.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 4.1 (CSEL 27.2:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-4-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
4.2CSEL 27.2:178
et quasi huius rei gratia prouectus esset ad illud principale fastigium, furere protinus contra deum coepit, ut protinus caderet.
And as if he had been raised to that imperial height for this very purpose, he at once began to rage against God, so that he at once fell.
Notes and citation
Summary: Decius began raging against God at once, and fell at once.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 4.2 (CSEL 27.2:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-4-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
4.3CSEL 27.2:178
nam profectus aduersum Carpos, qui tum Daciam Moesiamque occupauerant, statimque circumuentus a barbaris et cum magna exercitus parte deletus ne sepultura quidem potuit honorari, sed exutus ac nudus, ut hostem dei oportebat, pabulum feris ac uolucribus iacuit.
For having set out against the Carpi, who had then occupied Dacia and Moesia, he was at once surrounded by the barbarians and destroyed with a great part of his army, and could not even be honoured with burial, but, stripped and naked, as befitted an enemy of God, he lay as food for wild beasts and birds.
Notes and citation
Summary: Decius was killed by barbarians with much of his army and lay unburied.
- Decius fell in 251 at Abritus fighting the Goths; the author names the Carpi, who had earlier invaded Dacia. Other sources do not confirm that his body was left unburied (it was reportedly never found).
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 4.3 (CSEL 27.2:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-4-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 5
5.1CSEL 27.2:178
Non multo post Valerianus quoque non dissimili furore correptus impias manus in deum intentauit et multum quamuis breui tempore iusti sanguinis fudit. at illum deus nouo ac singulari poenae genere adfecit, ut esset posteris documentum aduersarios dei semper dignam scelere suo recipere mercedem.
Not long after, Valerian also, seized by a like frenzy, aimed his impious hands against God and shed much righteous blood, though in a short time. But God struck him with a new and singular kind of punishment, so that he might be a lesson to posterity that the adversaries of God always receive the wages their crime deserves.
Notes and citation
Summary: Valerian persecuted and was punished in a singular way as a lesson to later generations.
- Valerian reigned 253–260; his persecution began in 257.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 5.1 (CSEL 27.2:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-5-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
5.2CSEL 27.2:178
hic captus a Persis non modo imperium, quo fuerat insolenter usus, sed etiam libertatem, quam ceteris ademerat, perdidit uixitque in seruitute turpissime.
Captured by the Persians, he lost not only the imperial power he had used insolently but also the liberty he had taken from others, and he lived most shamefully in slavery.
Notes and citation
Summary: Captured by the Persians, Valerian lived in shameful slavery.
- Valerian was captured by Shapur I in 260.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 5.2 (CSEL 27.2:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-5-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
5.3CSEL 27.2:178
nam rex Persarum Sapor, is qui eum ceperat, si quando libuerat aut uehiculum ascendere aut equum, inclinare sibi Romanum iubebat ac terga praebere et imposito pede super dorsum eius illud esse uerum dicebat exprobrans ei cum risu. non quod in tabulis aut parietibus Romani pingerent.
For the king of the Persians, Sapor, the one who had captured him, whenever he wished to mount his carriage or his horse, used to order the Roman to bend down and offer his back, and, setting his foot on his back, would say with a laugh, taunting him, that this was the truth, not what the Romans painted on tablets or walls.
Notes and citation
Summary: Shapur used the captive Valerian as a footstool when mounting, mocking Roman pictures of victory.
- The footstool story is also told by later writers; its historicity is uncertain.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread of the name Sapor (Shapur)): bapor → Sapor.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 5.3 (CSEL 27.2:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-5-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
5.4CSEL 27.2:178–179
ita ille dignissime triumphatus aliquamdiu uixit, ut diu barbaris Romanum nomen ludibrio ac derisui esset.
So, most deservedly triumphed over, he lived for some time, so that for a long time the Roman name was a mockery and a laughing-stock to the barbarians.
Notes and citation
Summary: Valerian lived on for some time as a humiliation of the Roman name.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 5.4 (CSEL 27.2:178–179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-5-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
5.5CSEL 27.2:179
etiam hoc ei accessit ad poenam, quod cum filium haberet imperatorem, captiuitatis suae tamen ac seruitutis extremae non inuenit ultorem nec omnino repetitus est.
This too was added to his punishment: though he had a son who was emperor, he found no avenger of his captivity and utter slavery, nor was he ever demanded back.
Notes and citation
Summary: His son, the emperor Gallienus, never avenged him or sought his release.
- The son is Gallienus (sole emperor 260–268).
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 5.5 (CSEL 27.2:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-5-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
5.6CSEL 27.2:179
postea uero quam pudendam uitam in illo dedecore finiuit, derepta est ei cutis et exuta uisceribus pellis infecta rubro colore, ut in templo barbarorum deorum ad memoriam clarissimi triumphi poneretur legatisque nostris semper esset ostentui, ne nimium Romani uiribus suis fiderent, cum exuuias capti principis apud deos suos cernerent.
But after he had ended his shameful life in that disgrace, his skin was stripped off, and the hide, torn from his flesh, was dyed with red colour, so that it might be placed in the temple of the barbarian gods as a memorial of a most glorious triumph and always be shown to our ambassadors, so that the Romans might not trust too much in their own strength when they saw the spoils of a captured emperor among the Persians' gods.
Notes and citation
Summary: After his death Valerian's skin was flayed, dyed red, and displayed in a Persian temple.
- The flaying is reported only by Christian and later writers; it is not confirmed by Persian sources.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR debris in the digital text): t-põstea → postea.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 5.6 (CSEL 27.2:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-5-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
5.7CSEL 27.2:179
cum igitur tales poenas de sacrilegis deus exegerit, nonne mirabile est ausum esse quemquam postea non modo facere, sed etiam cogitare aduersus maiestatem singularis dei regentis et continentis uniuersa?
Since God, then, exacted such punishments from the sacrilegious, is it not astonishing that anyone afterwards dared not only to act but even to plan against the majesty of the one God, who rules and holds together all things?
Notes and citation
Summary: After such punishments it is astonishing that anyone dared to oppose God again.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 5.7 (CSEL 27.2:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-5-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 6
6.1CSEL 27.2:179
Aurelianus, qui esset natura uesanus et praeceps, quamuis captiuitatem Valeriani meminisset, tamen oblitus sceleris eius et poenae iram dei crudelibus factis lacessiuit. uerum illi ne perficere quidem quae cogitauerat licuit, sed protinus inter initia sui furoris extinctus est.
Aurelian, who was by nature mad and headlong, though he remembered Valerian's captivity, nevertheless forgot his crime and its punishment and provoked the wrath of God by cruel deeds. But he was not even allowed to accomplish what he had planned; he was cut off at once, at the very beginning of his frenzy.
Notes and citation
Summary: Aurelian planned to persecute but was killed before he could carry it out.
- Aurelian reigned 270–275.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 6.1 (CSEL 27.2:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-6-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
6.2CSEL 27.2:179
nondum ad prouincias ulteriores cruenta eius scripta peruenerant, et iam Caenofrurio, qui locus est Thraciae, cruentus ipse humi iacebat falsa quadam suspicione ab amicis suis interemptus.
His bloody edicts had not yet reached the more distant provinces, and already he himself lay bloodied on the ground at Caenophrurium, a place in Thrace, killed by his friends on some false suspicion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Aurelian was murdered by his own officers in Thrace before his edicts took effect.
- Aurelian was killed near Caenophrurium in 275.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 6.2 (CSEL 27.2:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-6-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
6.3CSEL 27.2:179
talibus et tot exemplis coerceri posteriores tyrannos oportebat: at hi non modo territi non sunt, sed audacius etiam contra deum confidentiusque fecerunt.
By such and so many examples the later tyrants ought to have been restrained; yet they were not only not frightened but acted against God even more boldly and confidently.
Notes and citation
Summary: Later tyrants ignored these examples and opposed God more boldly.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 6.3 (CSEL 27.2:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-6-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 7
7.1CSEL 27.2:179–180
Diocletianus. qui scelerum inuentor et malorum machinator fuit, cum disperderet omnia, ne a deo quidem manus potuit abstinere.
Diocletian, who was the inventor of crimes and the contriver of evils, while he was ruining everything, could not keep his hands even from God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian, author of many evils, finally turned against God.
- Diocletian reigned 284–305. The portrait that follows is hostile and rhetorical; many of his administrative reforms are judged differently by modern historians.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.1 (CSEL 27.2:179–180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.2CSEL 27.2:180
hic orbem terrae simul et auaritia et timiditate subuertit. tres enim participes regni sui fecit in quattuor partes orbe diuiso et multiplicatis exercitibus, cum singuli eorum longe maiorem numerum militum habere contenderent, quam priores principes habuerant, cum soli rem publicam gererent.
He overturned the world both by avarice and by timidity. For he made three men sharers of his rule, the world being divided into four parts, and armies were multiplied, since each of them strove to have a far greater number of soldiers than former emperors had had when they governed the state alone.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian divided the empire among four rulers and multiplied the armies.
- The Tetrarchy: Diocletian and Maximian as Augusti, Constantius and Galerius as Caesars.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.2 (CSEL 27.2:180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.3CSEL 27.2:180
adeo maior esse coeperat numerus accipientium quam dantium. ut enormitate indictionum consumptis uiribus colonorum desererentur agri et culturae uerterentur in siluam.
The number of those receiving began to be so much greater than the number of those giving that, the resources of the farmers being exhausted by the enormity of the levies, the fields were deserted and cultivated land turned into forest.
Notes and citation
Summary: Heavy taxes to pay the armies ruined farmers and fields were abandoned.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.3 (CSEL 27.2:180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.4CSEL 27.2:180
et ut omnia terrore conplerentur, prouinciae quoque in frusta concisae: multi praesides et plura officia singulis regionibus ac paene iam ciuitatibus incubare, item rationales multi et magistri et uicarii praefectorum, quibus omnibus ciuiles actus admodum rari, sed condemnationes tantum et proscriptiones frequentes, exactiones rerum innumerabilium non dicam crebrae, sed perpetuae, et in exactionibus iniuriae non ferendae.
And so that everything might be filled with terror, the provinces too were chopped into pieces: many governors and more offices weighed on each region and almost on each city, likewise many finance officers and masters and deputies of the prefects, among all of whom civil business was very rare, but condemnations and confiscations were frequent, exactions of countless things, I will not say frequent, but continual, and in the exactions injuries not to be borne.
Notes and citation
Summary: The provinces were split up and filled with officials who condemned, confiscated, and extorted.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.4 (CSEL 27.2:180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.5CSEL 27.2:180
haec quoque tolerari <non) possunt quae ad exhibendos milites spectant. idem insatiabili auaritia thesauros numquam minui uolebat, sed semper extraordinarias opes ac largitiones congerebat, ut ea quae recondebat, integra atque inuiolata seruaret.
Those things too cannot be borne which concern the levying of soldiers. The same man, from insatiable avarice, never wished his treasury to be diminished, but always heaped up extraordinary funds and gifts, so as to keep what he stored away whole and untouched.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian's avarice made him hoard his treasury while imposing levies.
- “not” is the editor's supplement.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.5 (CSEL 27.2:180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.6CSEL 27.2:180
idem cum uariis iniquitatibus inmensam faceret caritatem, legem pretiis rerum uenalium statuere conatus est.
The same man, when by various iniquities he had brought about an immense rise in prices, attempted to set by law the prices of goods for sale.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian tried to fix prices by law.
- The Edict on Maximum Prices, AD 301.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.6 (CSEL 27.2:180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.7CSEL 27.2:180–181
tunc ob exigua et uilia multus sanguis effusus, nec uenale quicquam metu apparebat et caritas multo deterius exarsit, donec lex necessitate ipsa post multorum exitium solueretur.
Then for small and cheap things much blood was shed, and out of fear nothing appeared for sale, and the dearness blazed up far worse, until after the ruin of many the law was set aside by sheer necessity.
Notes and citation
Summary: The price law caused bloodshed and shortages until it was abandoned.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): enusus → effusus.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.7 (CSEL 27.2:180–181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.8CSEL 27.2:181
Huic accedebat infinita quaedam cupiditas aedificandi, non minor prouinciarum exactio in exhibendis operariis et artificibus et plaustris omnibus<que> quaecumque sint fabricandis operibus necessaria.
To this was added a certain boundless passion for building, and no less an exaction from the provinces in supplying workmen and craftsmen and wagons and everything needed for constructing the works.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian's passion for building burdened the provinces further.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): Huuc → Huic.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.8 (CSEL 27.2:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.9CSEL 27.2:181
hic basilicae, hic circus, hic moneta, hic armorum fabrica, hic uxori domus, hic filiae. repente magna pars ciuitatis exciditur. migrabant omnes cum coniugibus ac liberis quasi urbe ab hostibus capta.
Here basilicas, here a circus, here a mint, here an arms factory, here a house for his wife, here one for his daughter. Suddenly a great part of the city is cut away. Everyone moved out with wives and children, as if the city had been taken by enemies.
Notes and citation
Summary: He built endlessly at Nicomedia, displacing its inhabitants.
- His wife was Prisca; his daughter Valeria.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.9 (CSEL 27.2:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.10CSEL 27.2:181
et cum perfecta haec fuerant cum interitu prouinciarum, non recte facta sunt aiebat, alio modo fiant. rursus dirui ac mutari necesse erat iterum fortasse casura. ita semper dementabat Nicomediam studens urbi Romae coaequare.
And when these had been completed with the ruin of the provinces, “They have not been done right,” he would say; “let them be done another way.” They had to be pulled down again and changed, perhaps to fall once more. So he was forever raving, striving to make Nicomedia equal to the city of Rome.
Notes and citation
Summary: He had buildings torn down and rebuilt, trying to make Nicomedia rival Rome.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.10 (CSEL 27.2:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.11CSEL 27.2:181
iam illud praetereo, quam multi perierint possessionum aut opum gratia. hoc enim usitatum et fere licitum consuetudine malorum.
I pass over how many perished for the sake of their estates or wealth; for this was usual and, by the custom of evil men, almost lawful.
Notes and citation
Summary: Many were killed for their property.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.11 (CSEL 27.2:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
7.12CSEL 27.2:181
sed in hoc illud fuit praecipuum, quod ubicumque cultiorem agrum uiderat aut ornatius aedificium, iam parata domino calumnia et poena capitalis, quasi non posset rapere aliena sine sanguine.
But in this his special trait was that wherever he had seen a better-cultivated field or a more ornate building, at once a false charge and capital punishment were prepared for the owner, as if he could not seize another's property without blood.
Notes and citation
Summary: Owners of fine estates were falsely accused and executed so he could seize them.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 7.12 (CSEL 27.2:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-7-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 8
8.1CSEL 27.2:181
Quid frater eius Maximianus, qui est dictus Herculius? non dissimilis ab eo: nec enim possent in amicitiam tam fidelem cohaerere, nisi esset in utroque mens una, eadem cogitatio, par uoluntas, aequa sententia.
What of his brother Maximian, who was called Herculius? He was not unlike him; for they could not have held together in so faithful a friendship unless there had been in both one mind, the same thinking, an equal will, a like judgement.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximian Herculius was like Diocletian in mind and will.
- “Brother” is a title of the partnership, not kinship. Maximian was Augustus 286–305.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 8.1 (CSEL 27.2:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-8-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
8.2CSEL 27.2:181–182
hoc solum differebant, quod auaritia maior in altero fuit, sed plus timiditatis, in altero uero minor auaritia, sed plus animi, non ad bene faciendum, sed ad male.
They differed only in this: in the one there was greater avarice but more timidity, in the other less avarice but more spirit, not for doing good, but for doing evil.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian was more greedy and timid, Maximian bolder in evil.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 8.2 (CSEL 27.2:181–182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-8-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
8.3CSEL 27.2:182
nam cum ipsam imperii sedem teneret Italiam subiacerentque opulentissimae prouinciae, uel Africa uel Hispania, non erat in custodiendis opibus tam diligens, quarum illi copia suppetebat.
For since he held Italy, the very seat of empire, and the wealthiest provinces, Africa and Spain, lay under him, he was not so careful in guarding wealth, of which he had an abundant supply.
Notes and citation
Summary: Controlling Italy, Africa and Spain, Maximian was less careful to hoard wealth.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 8.3 (CSEL 27.2:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-8-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
8.4CSEL 27.2:182
et cum opus esset, non deerant locupletissimi senatores qui subornatis indiciis affectasse imperium dicerentur, ita ut effoderentur assidue lumina senatus.
And whenever there was need, there was no lack of very wealthy senators who could be said, by suborned informations, to have aimed at the throne, so that the lights of the senate were continually being put out.
Notes and citation
Summary: Rich senators were falsely accused of treason and killed.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 8.4 (CSEL 27.2:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-8-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
8.5CSEL 27.2:182
cruentissimus fiscus mala partis opibus affluebat. iam libido in homine pestifero non modo ad corrumpendos mares, quod est odiosum ac detestabile, uerum etiam ad uiolandas primorum filias. nam quacumque iter fecerat, auulsae a complexu parentum uirgines statim praesto.
A most bloodstained treasury overflowed with ill-gotten wealth. Moreover, the lust in that pestilent man went not only to the corrupting of males, which is hateful and detestable, but also to the violating of the daughters of leading men. For wherever he had travelled, maidens torn from their parents' arms were at once at his disposal.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximian enriched himself by bloodshed and indulged his lusts with boys and noblemen's daughters.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 8.5 (CSEL 27.2:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-8-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
8.6CSEL 27.2:182
his rebus beatum se iudicabat, his constare felicitatem imperii sui putabat, si libidini et cupiditati malae nihil denegaret.
In these things he judged himself happy; in these he thought the prosperity of his reign consisted, if he denied nothing to his lust and evil desire.
Notes and citation
Summary: He thought his happiness lay in denying his lusts nothing.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 8.6 (CSEL 27.2:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-8-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
8.7CSEL 27.2:182
Constantium praetereo, quoniam dissimilis ceterorum fuit dignusque qui solus orbem teneret.
I pass over Constantius, since he was unlike the others and worthy to hold the world alone.
Notes and citation
Summary: Constantius, unlike the others, was worthy to rule alone.
- Constantius I, father of Constantine.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): CODstantium → Constantium.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 8.7 (CSEL 27.2:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-8-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 9
9.1CSEL 27.2:182
Alter uero Maximianus, quem sibi generum Diocletianus asciuerat, non his duobus tantum quos tempora nostra senserunt, sed omnibus qui fuerunt malis peior.
But the other Maximian, whom Diocletian had taken as his son-in-law, was worse not only than these two whom our own times have felt, but than all the evil men who ever lived.
Notes and citation
Summary: The other Maximian, Diocletian's son-in-law, was the worst of all.
- The author calls Galerius (Caesar 293, Augustus 305–311) by his name Maximianus; he married Diocletian's daughter Valeria.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (word split in the digital text): asciue rat → asciuerat.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.1 (CSEL 27.2:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.2CSEL 27.2:182–183
inerat huic bestiae naturalis barbaries, efferitas a Romano sanguine aliena non mirum, cum mater eius Transdanuuiana infestantibus Carpis in Daciam nouam transiecto amne confugerat.
There was in this beast a native barbarism, a savagery foreign to Roman blood; no wonder, since his mother, a woman from beyond the Danube, had fled into New Dacia across the river when the Carpi were raiding.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius had a barbarian savagery from his mother, a refugee from beyond the Danube.
- His mother was Romula.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.2 (CSEL 27.2:182–183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.3CSEL 27.2:183
erat etiam corpus moribus congruens, status celsus, caro ingens et in horrendam magnitudinem diffusa et inflata.
His body too matched his character: tall of stature, a huge mass of flesh spread out and swollen to a horrible size.
Notes and citation
Summary: His huge body matched his character.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.3 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.4CSEL 27.2:183
denique et uerbis et actibus et aspectu terrori omnibus ac formidini fuit. socer quoque eum metuebat acerrime: cuius timoris haec fuit causa.
In short, by his words, his deeds, and his look he was a terror and a dread to all. Even his father-in-law feared him very sharply; and the cause of this fear was this.
Notes and citation
Summary: Everyone feared him, even Diocletian, for the following reason.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.4 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.5CSEL 27.2:183
Narseus rex Persarum concitatus domesticis exemplis aui sui Saporis ad occupandum Orientem cum magnis copiis inhiabat.
Narses, king of the Persians, spurred on by the example of his own house, his grandfather Sapor, was eagerly aiming with great forces to seize the East.
Notes and citation
Summary: Narses of Persia, following his grandfather Shapur, sought to seize the East.
- Narseh reigned 293–302; he was Shapur I's son, not grandson, by most accounts.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): do nesticis → domesticis.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.5 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.6CSEL 27.2:183
tunc Diocletianus, ut erat in omni tumultu meticulosus animique deiectus, simul et exemplum Valeriani timens, non ausus est obuiam tendere, sed hunc per Armeniam misit ipse in Oriente subsistens et aucupans exitus rerum.
Then Diocletian, fearful in every disturbance as he was, and low in spirit, fearing at the same time the example of Valerian, did not dare go to meet him, but sent this man through Armenia, himself staying in the East and waiting to catch the outcome.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian, afraid, sent Galerius against the Persians and waited.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.6 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.7CSEL 27.2:183
ille insidiis usus barbaros, quibus mos est cum omnibus suis ad bellum pergere, multitudine impeditos et sarcinis occupatos non difficiliter oppressit fugatoque Narseo rege reuersus cum praeda et manubiis ingentibus sibi attulit superbiam, Diocletiano timorem.
He, using an ambush, overwhelmed without difficulty the barbarians, whose custom is to go to war with all their households, hampered by their numbers and encumbered with baggage; and having put King Narses to flight, he returned with booty and enormous spoils, bringing pride to himself and fear to Diocletian.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius routed Narses and returned proud, which alarmed Diocletian.
- The victory of 298.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.7 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.8CSEL 27.2:183
in tantos namque fastus post hanc uictoriam elenatus est, ut iam detrectaret Caesaris nomen. quod cum in litteris ad se datis audisset, truci uultu ac uoce terribili exclamabat quousque Caesar?
For after this victory he was raised to such arrogance that he now scorned the name of Caesar; and when he heard it in letters addressed to him, he would exclaim with a savage face and a terrible voice, “How long Caesar?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Swollen with pride, Galerius resented the title Caesar.
- The digital text reads “elenatus”, probably for elatus or eleuatus (“raised”).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): hlanc → hanc.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.8 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.9CSEL 27.2:183
exinde insolentissime agere coepit, ut ex Marte se procreatum et uideri et dici uellet tamquam alterum Romulum maluitque Romulam matrem stupro infamare, ut ipse diis oriundus uideretur.
From then on he began to behave most insolently, wishing to seem and be called begotten of Mars, as a second Romulus, and he preferred to defame his mother Romula with adultery so that he himself might appear sprung from gods.
Notes and citation
Summary: He claimed to be a son of Mars, slandering his own mother to seem divine.
- The Latin is stuprum, illicit intercourse.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.9 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.10CSEL 27.2:183
sed differo de factis eius dicere, ne confundam tempora. postea enim quam nomen imperatoris accepit, exuto socero, tum demum furere coepit et contemnere omnia.
But I put off speaking of his deeds so as not to confuse the times. For after he received the title of emperor, his father-in-law having been stripped of it, then at last he began to rage and to despise everything.
Notes and citation
Summary: His worst deeds came after he became Augustus.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.10 (CSEL 27.2:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.11CSEL 27.2:183–184
Diocles — <sic> enim ante imperium uocabatur — cum rem publicam talibus consiliis et talibus sociis euerteret, cum pro sceleribus suis nihil non mereretur, tamdiu tamen summa felicitate regnauit, quamdiu manus suas iustorum sanguine non inquinaret.
Diocles (for so he was called before his reign), while he was overturning the state with such counsels and such partners, and though for his crimes there was nothing he did not deserve, nevertheless reigned with the highest good fortune so long as he did not defile his hands with the blood of the righteous.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian prospered as long as he did not shed the blood of the righteous.
- “so” is the editor's supplement.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): lmpenum → imperium.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.11 (CSEL 27.2:183–184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
9.12CSEL 27.2:184
quam uero causam persequendi habuerit exponam.
But what cause he had for persecuting, I will set out.
Notes and citation
Summary: Lactantius turns to the cause of the persecution.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 9.12 (CSEL 27.2:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-9-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 10
10.1CSEL 27.2:184
Cum ageret in partibus Orientis, ut erat pro timore scrutator rerum futurarum. immolabat pecudes et in iecoribus earum uentura quaerebat.
While he was staying in the regions of the East, since from fear he was a searcher into the future, he was sacrificing cattle and seeking what was to come in their livers.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian, anxious about the future, consulted the entrails of sacrificed animals.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 10.1 (CSEL 27.2:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-10-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
10.2CSEL 27.2:184
tum quidam ministrorum scientes dominum cum adsisterent immolanti, imposuerunt frontibus suis inmortale signum: quo facto fugatis daemonibus sacra turbata sunt. trepidabant aruspices nec solitas in extis notas uidebant et quasi non litassent, saepius immolabant.
Then certain of his attendants who knew the Lord, as they stood by him while he sacrificed, set the immortal sign on their foreheads; and when this was done the demons were put to flight and the rites were thrown into confusion. The haruspices were alarmed; they did not see the usual marks in the entrails, and as if the sacrifice had not been accepted, they sacrificed again and again.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christian attendants made the sign of the cross, and the diviners could not read the entrails.
- The “immortal sign” is the sign of the cross traced on the forehead.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 10.2 (CSEL 27.2:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-10-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
10.3CSEL 27.2:184
uerum identidem mactatae hostiae nihil ostendebant, donec magister ille aruspicum Tagis seu suspicione seu uisu ait idcirco non respondere sacra, quod rebus diuinis profani homines interessent.
But the victims slain time after time showed nothing, until that master of the haruspices, Tagis, whether from suspicion or from something he saw, said that the rites were not answering because profane men were present at the divine ceremonies.
Notes and citation
Summary: The chief diviner blamed the failure on the presence of profane men.
- Tagis may be a title taken from Tages, the legendary founder of Etruscan divination, rather than a personal name.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 10.3 (CSEL 27.2:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-10-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
10.4CSEL 27.2:184
tunc ira furens sacrificare non eos tantum qui sacris ministrabant, sed uniuersos qui erant in palatio iussit et in eos, si detrectassent, uerberibus animaduerti, datisque ad praepositos litteris, etiam milites cogi ad nefanda sacrificia praecepit, ut qui non paruissent, militia soluerentur.
Then, raging with anger, he ordered not only those who served at the rites but all who were in the palace to sacrifice, and, if they refused, to be punished with scourging; and sending letters to the commanders he directed that the soldiers too be compelled to the wicked sacrifices, so that those who had not obeyed should be discharged from the army.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian ordered his whole court and the army to sacrifice on pain of flogging or discharge.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 10.4 (CSEL 27.2:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-10-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
10.5CSEL 27.2:184
hactenus furor eius et ira processit nec amplius quicquam contra legem aut religionem dei fecit.
So far his fury and anger went, and he did nothing further against the law or religion of God.
Notes and citation
Summary: For the time being he went no further.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): legem ant religionem → legem aut religionem.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 10.5 (CSEL 27.2:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-10-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
10.6CSEL 27.2:184–185
deinde interiecto aliquanto tempore in Bithyniam uenit hiematum eodemque tum Maximianus quoque Caesar inflammatus scelere aduenit, ut ad persequendos Christianos instigaret senem uanum, qui iam principium fecerat. cuius furoris hanc causam fuisse cognoui.
Then, after some time had passed, he came into Bithynia to spend the winter, and at that same time Maximian the Caesar also arrived, inflamed with wickedness, to urge the foolish old man, who had already made a beginning, to persecute the Christians. I have learned that the cause of his fury was this.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius joined Diocletian in Bithynia to urge him to persecute.
- Maximian the Caesar is Galerius; the winter is that of 302–303 at Nicomedia.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 10.6 (CSEL 27.2:184–185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-10-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 11
11.1CSEL 27.2:185
Erat mater eius deorum montium cultrix. quae cum esset mulier admodum superstitiosa, dapibus sacrificabat paene cotidie ac uicanis suis epulas exhibebat. Christiani abstinebant, et illa cum gentibus epulante ieiuniis hi et orationibus insistebant.
His mother was a worshipper of the mountain gods. Being an exceedingly superstitious woman, she offered sacrificial feasts almost daily and gave banquets to her villagers. The Christians abstained, and while she feasted with the heathen, they persevered in fasting and prayers.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius's mother, a zealous pagan, gave sacrificial feasts which the Christians refused to share.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.1 (CSEL 27.2:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
11.2CSEL 27.2:185
hinc concepit odium aduersus eos ac filium suum non minus superstitiosum querelis muliebribus ad tollendos homines incitauit.
From this she conceived hatred against them, and with womanly complaints she stirred up her son, no less superstitious, to do away with these people.
Notes and citation
Summary: She came to hate the Christians and urged her son to destroy them.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.2 (CSEL 27.2:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
11.3CSEL 27.2:185
ergo habito inter se per totam hiemem consilio cum nemo admitteretur et omnes de summo statu rei publicae tractari arbitrarentur, diu senex furori eius repugnauit - ostendens quam perniciosum esset inquietari orbem terrae, fundi sanguinem multorum; illos libenter mori solere; satis esse si palatinos tantum ac milites ab ea religione prohiberet. nec tamen deflectere potuit praecipitis hominis insaniam.
So they held counsel together through the whole winter, no one being admitted, and everyone thought that the highest affairs of state were being discussed. For a long time the old man resisted his fury, pointing out how ruinous it would be to disturb the world and shed the blood of many; that those people were accustomed to die gladly; that it was enough if he forbade only the palace staff and the soldiers from that religion. Yet he could not turn aside the madness of the headstrong man.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian long argued against a general persecution, but could not dissuade Galerius.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.3 (CSEL 27.2:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
11.4CSEL 27.2:185
placuit ergo amicorum sententiam experiri.
It was decided, therefore, to try the opinion of his friends.
Notes and citation
Summary: They agreed to consult advisers.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray letter in the digital text): Jplacuit → placuit.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.4 (CSEL 27.2:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
11.5CSEL 27.2:185
nam erat huius malitiae: cum bonum quid facere decreuisset, sine consilio faciebat, ut ipse laudaretur, cum autem malum, quoniam id reprehendendum sciebat, in consilium multos aduocabat, ut aliorum culpae adscriberetur quicquid ipse deliquerat.
For this was his malice: when he had decided to do something good, he did it without counsel, so that he himself might be praised; but when something evil, since he knew it would be blamed, he called many into counsel, so that whatever he himself had done wrong might be ascribed to the fault of others.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian consulted others only for evil deeds, so as to share the blame.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.5 (CSEL 27.2:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
11.6CSEL 27.2:185–186
admissi ergo iudices pauci et pauci militares, ut dignitate antecedebant, interrogabantur. quidam proprio aduersus Christianos odio inimicos deorum et hostes religionum publicarum tollendos esse censuerunt, et qui aliter sentiebant, intellecta hominis uoluntate uel timentes uel gratificari uolentes in eandem sententiam congruerunt.
A few magistrates, then, and a few military men were admitted and questioned in order of rank. Some, from their own hatred of the Christians, gave their opinion that the enemies of the gods and foes of the public religions should be done away with; and those who thought otherwise, having understood the man's wishes, either from fear or wishing to please, agreed in the same opinion.
Notes and citation
Summary: The advisers, from hatred, fear, or flattery, all voted for persecution.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.6 (CSEL 27.2:185–186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
11.7CSEL 27.2:186
nec sic quidem flexus est imperator, ut accommodaret assensum, sed deos potissimum consulere statuit misitque aruspicem ad Apollinem Milesium. respondit ille ut diuinae religionis inimicus.
Not even so was the emperor moved to give his assent, but he decided above all to consult the gods, and sent a haruspex to Milesian Apollo. He answered as an enemy of the divine religion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian consulted Apollo's oracle at Miletus, which answered against the Christians.
- The oracle of Apollo at Didyma near Miletus. Eusebius (Vit. Const. 2.50–51) reports a similar oracle.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.7 (CSEL 27.2:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
11.8CSEL 27.2:186
traductus est itaque a proposito et quoniam nec amicis nec Caesari nec Apollini poterat reluctari, hanc moderationem tenere conatus est, ut eam rem sine sanguine transigi iuberet, cum Caesar uiuos cremari uellet qui sacrificio repugnassent.
So he was drawn away from his purpose, and since he could resist neither his friends nor the Caesar nor Apollo, he tried to keep to this moderation: he ordered that the business be carried out without bloodshed, whereas the Caesar wanted those who refused to sacrifice to be burned alive.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian yielded but ordered the persecution to be bloodless, while Galerius wanted resisters burned.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 11.8 (CSEL 27.2:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-11-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 12
12.1CSEL 27.2:186
Inquiritur peragendae rei dies aptus et felix ac potissimum Terminalia deliguntur, quae sunt a. d. septimum Kalendas Martias, ut quasi terminus imponeretur huic religioni. ille dies primus leti primusque malorum causa fuit: quae et ipsis et orbi terrarum acciderunt.
A suitable and lucky day was sought for carrying out the business, and the Terminalia was chosen above all, which falls on the seventh day before the Kalends of March, so that a terminus, as it were, might be put to this religion. “That day was the first cause of death, the first of evils,” which befell both them and the whole world.
Notes and citation
Summary: The feast of Terminus, 23 February, was chosen to begin the persecution, as if to put an end to Christianity.
- 23 February 303. The quoted words adapt Virgil, Aen. 4.169–170.
Extrabiblical texts: Virgil, Aen. 4.169–170 (Virgil; quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 12.1 (CSEL 27.2:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-12-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
12.2CSEL 27.2:186
qui dies cum illuxisset agentibus consulatum senibus ambobus octauum et septimum, repente adhuc dubia luce ad ecclesiam praefectus cum ducibus et tribunis et rationalibus uenit et reuulsis foribus simulacrum dei quaeritur: scripturae repertae incenduntur, datur omnibus praeda, rapitur, trepidatur, discurritur.
When that day dawned, the two old men holding the consulship, the one for the eighth and the other for the seventh time, suddenly, while the light was still dim, the prefect came to the church with commanders, tribunes and treasury officials; the doors were torn off and the image of the god was searched for; the Scriptures that were found were burned; plunder was given to all; there was seizing, panic, running about.
Notes and citation
Summary: At dawn officials broke into the church at Nicomedia, burned the Scriptures, and looted it.
- Diocletian was consul for the eighth time and Maximian for the seventh in 303. The search for an “image of the god” shows the officials' expectation of a cult statue.
Topics: Persecution, Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 12.2 (CSEL 27.2:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-12-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
12.3CSEL 27.2:186
ipsi uero in speculis — in alto enim constituta ecclesia ex palatio uidebatur — diu inter se concertabant, utrum ignem potius supponi oporteret.
But they themselves, from a lookout (for the church, set on high ground, could be seen from the palace), argued long between themselves whether it ought rather to be set on fire.
Notes and citation
Summary: The emperors, watching from the palace, debated burning the church.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 12.3 (CSEL 27.2:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-12-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
12.4CSEL 27.2:186
uicit sententia Diocletianus cauens, ne magno incendio facto pars aliqua ciuitatis arderet. nam multae ac magnae domus ab omni parte cingebant.
Diocletian's view prevailed, as he was wary lest, if a great fire were made, some part of the city should burn; for many large houses surrounded it on every side.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian refused to burn it for fear the fire would spread.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 12.4 (CSEL 27.2:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-12-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
12.5CSEL 27.2:186–187
ueniebant igitur praetoriani acie structa cum securibus et aliis ferramentis et immissi undique fanum illud editissimum paucis horis solo adaequarunt.
So the praetorian guards came in battle order with axes and other iron tools, and, let loose on every side, within a few hours they levelled that lofty shrine to the ground.
Notes and citation
Summary: The praetorian guard demolished the church in a few hours.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 12.5 (CSEL 27.2:186–187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-12-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 13
13.1CSEL 27.2:187
Postridie propositum est edictum quo cauebatur, ut religionis illius homines carerent omni honore ac dignitate, tormentis subiecti essent, ex quocumque ordine aut gradu uenirent, aduersus eos omnis actio ualeret, ipsi non de iniuria, non de adulterio, non de rebus ablatis agere possent, libertatem denique ac uocem non haberent.
The next day an edict was posted providing that people of that religion should be deprived of every honour and rank; that they should be subject to torture, from whatever order or grade they came; that every action at law should be valid against them, while they themselves could not bring an action for injury, for adultery, or for property taken; in short, that they should have neither liberty nor voice.
Notes and citation
Summary: An edict stripped Christians of rank and legal protection and made them liable to torture.
- The first edict of persecution, 24 February 303.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 13.1 (CSEL 27.2:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-13-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
13.2CSEL 27.2:187
quod edictum quidam etsi non recte, magno tamen animo deripuit et conscidit, cum irridens diceret uictorias Gothorum et Sarmatarum propositas.
A certain man, though not rightly, yet with great courage, tore down this edict and cut it up, saying mockingly that victories over the Goths and Sarmatians were being posted.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Christian tore down the edict, mocking it.
- Eusebius (Hist. eccl. 8.5) tells the same story without naming the man.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 13.2 (CSEL 27.2:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-13-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
13.3CSEL 27.2:187
statimque perductus non modo extortus, sed etiam legitime coctus cum admirabili patientia postremo exustus est.
At once he was brought in and not only tortured but, in due legal form, roasted, and with admirable patience at last burned to death.
Notes and citation
Summary: He was tortured and burned to death, enduring it with patience.
- “In due legal form” (legitime) is ironic.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 13.3 (CSEL 27.2:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-13-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 14
14.1CSEL 27.2:187
Sed Caesar non contentus est edicti legibus: aliter Diocletianum aggredi parat.
But the Caesar was not content with the terms of the edict; he prepared to work on Diocletian another way.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius wanted more than the edict.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 14.1 (CSEL 27.2:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-14-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
14.2CSEL 27.2:187
nam ut illum ad propositum crudelissimae persecutionis impelleret, occultis ministris palatio subiecit incendium, et cum pars quaedam conflagrasset, Christiani arguebantur uelut hostes publici et [cum] ingenti inuidia simul cum palatio Christianorum nomen ardebat: illos consilio cum eunuchis habito de extinguendis principibus cogitasse, duos imperatores domi suae paene uiuos esse combustos.
For to drive him to the purpose of a most cruel persecution, he had the palace set on fire by secret agents; and when some part of it had burned, the Christians were accused as public enemies, and with enormous hatred the Christian name burned together with the palace: it was said that they, having taken counsel with the eunuchs, had planned to destroy the emperors, and that the two emperors had nearly been burned alive in their own home.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius had the palace set on fire and the Christians blamed for plotting against the emperors.
- The edition brackets “cum” before “ingenti inuidia” as spurious; it is left out. The claim that Galerius caused the fire is the author's; Eusebius (Hist. eccl. 8.6) reports the fire but not its cause, and Constantine (Oration to the Saints 25) attributes it to lightning.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 14.2 (CSEL 27.2:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-14-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
14.4CSEL 27.2:188
sedebat ipse atque innocentes igni torquebat, item iudices uniuersi, omnes denique qui erant in palatio magistri data potestate torquebant.
He himself sat and tortured innocent people with fire; so did all the magistrates, and in short all the officials who were in the palace tortured them, having been given authority.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian and his officials tortured innocent people to find the culprits.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 14.4 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-14-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
14.5CSEL 27.2:188
erant certantes quis prior aliquid inueniret: nihil usquam reperiebatur, quippe cum familiam Caesaris nemo torqueret. aderat ipse et instabat nec patiebatur iram inconsiderati senis deflagrare.
They vied with one another to be first to discover something; nothing was found anywhere, since no one tortured the Caesar's household. He himself was present and pressed on, and did not allow the anger of the thoughtless old man to burn itself out.
Notes and citation
Summary: Nothing was found, since Galerius's own servants were not questioned, and he kept the old man's anger alive.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 14.5 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-14-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
14.6CSEL 27.2:188
sed quindecim diebus interiectis aliud rursum incendium molitus est. sed celerius animaduersum, nec tamen auctor apparuit.
But after fifteen days he contrived another fire. But it was noticed more quickly, and yet the author was not discovered.
Notes and citation
Summary: A second fire was set two weeks later.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): interieotis → interiectis.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 14.6 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-14-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
14.7CSEL 27.2:188
tunc Caesar medio hiemis profectione parata prorupit eodem die, contestans fugere se, ne uiuus arderet.
Then the Caesar, having prepared to set out in midwinter, rushed off the same day, protesting that he was fleeing so as not to be burned alive.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius left at once, claiming to flee for his life.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 14.7 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-14-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
14.8CSEL 27.2:187–188
Diocletianus uero, qui semper se uolebat uideri astutum et intellegentem, nihil potuit suspicari, sed ira inflammatus excarnificari omnes suos protinus praecepit.
But Diocletian, who always wished to seem shrewd and intelligent, could suspect nothing, but inflamed with anger ordered all his household to be butchered at once.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian, deceived, ordered his own household tortured.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 14.8 (CSEL 27.2:187–188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-14-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 15
15.1CSEL 27.2:188
Furebat ergo imperator iam non in domesticos tantum, sed in omnes. et primam omnium filiam Valeriam coniugemque Priscam sacrificio pollui coegit.
So the emperor raged now not only against his household but against everyone. And first of all he compelled his daughter Valeria and his wife Prisca to be polluted by sacrifice.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian forced his wife and daughter to sacrifice.
- The passage implies that Prisca and Valeria were Christians or sympathetic to Christianity.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 15.1 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-15-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
15.2CSEL 27.2:188
potentissimi quondam eunuchi necati, per quos palatium et ipse ante constabat, comprehensi presbyteri ac ministri et sine ulla probatione aut confessione damnati cum omnibus suis deducebantur.
The once most powerful eunuchs, through whom the palace and he himself had previously stood, were put to death; presbyters and ministers were arrested and, without any proof or confession, condemned and led away with all their households.
Notes and citation
Summary: Palace eunuchs were killed and clergy condemned without trial.
Topics: Persecution, Church office
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 15.2 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-15-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
15.3CSEL 27.2:188
omnis sexus et aetatis homines ad exustionem rapti, nec singuli, quoniam tanta erat multitudo, sed gregatim circumdato igni ambiebantur; domestici alligatis ad collum molaribus mari mergebantur.
People of every sex and age were seized for burning, and not one by one, since there was so great a multitude, but in herds, a fire being set around them, they were encircled; the servants of the household were drowned in the sea with millstones tied to their necks.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians were burned in groups and palace servants drowned with millstones.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 15.3 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-15-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
15.4CSEL 27.2:188
nec minus in ceterum populum persecutio uiolenter incubuit. nam iudices per omnia templa dispersi uniuersos ad sacrificia cogebant.
And no less violently did the persecution fall on the rest of the people. For magistrates, dispersed through all the temples, compelled everyone to sacrifice.
Notes and citation
Summary: Magistrates forced the general population to sacrifice.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 15.4 (CSEL 27.2:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-15-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
15.5CSEL 27.2:188–189
pleni carceres erant, tormentorum genera inaudita excogitabantur, et ne cui temere ius diceretur, arae in secretariis ac pro tribunali positae, ut litigatores prius sacrificarent atque ita causas suas dicerent, sic ergo ad iudices tamquam ad deos adiretur.
The prisons were full; unheard-of kinds of torture were devised; and so that justice should not be given to anyone without care, altars were placed in the judges' chambers and before the tribunal, so that litigants should first sacrifice and so plead their cases; thus people approached the judges as if they were gods.
Notes and citation
Summary: Altars were set in courtrooms so that litigants had to sacrifice before pleading.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 15.5 (CSEL 27.2:188–189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-15-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
15.6CSEL 27.2:189
etiam litterae ad Maximianum atque Constantium commeauerant, ut eadem facerent: quorum sententia in tantis rebus expectata non. erat. et quidem senex Maximianus libens paruit per Italiam, homo non adeo clemens.
Letters had also gone to Maximian and Constantius, that they should do the same; their opinion in matters so great had not been waited for. And indeed old Maximian, a man not very merciful, gladly obeyed throughout Italy.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximian gladly enforced the edicts in Italy.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 15.6 (CSEL 27.2:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-15-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
15.7CSEL 27.2:189
nam Constantius, ne dissentire a maiorum praeceptis uideretur, conuenticula id est parietes, qui restitui poterant, dirui passus est, uerum autem dei templum, quod est in hominibus, incolume seruauit.
For Constantius, so as not to seem to disagree with the orders of his seniors, allowed the meeting-houses, that is, walls that could be restored, to be pulled down, but the true temple of God, which is in human beings, he kept unharmed.
1 Cor 3:16 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Constantius only demolished church buildings and spared the Christians themselves.
- Eusebius (Hist. eccl. 8.13.13) says Constantius did not even destroy church buildings.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 15.7 (CSEL 27.2:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-15-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 16
16.1CSEL 27.2:189
Vexabatur ergo uniuersa terra et praeter Gallias ab oriente usque ad occasum tres acerbissimae bestiae saeuiebant.
So the whole earth was harassed, and except for the Gauls, from east to west three most savage beasts raged.
Notes and citation
Summary: Apart from Gaul, three savage rulers persecuted across the empire.
- The three are Diocletian, Maximian, and Galerius.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.1 (CSEL 27.2:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.2CSEL 27.2:189
non, mihi si linguae centum <sint> oraque centum ferrea uox, omnes scelerum comprendere formas, omnia poenarum percurrere nomina possim, quae iudices per prouincias iustis atque innocentibus intulerunt.
“Not if I had a hundred tongues and a hundred mouths and a voice of iron could I encompass all the forms of crime, or run through all the names of the punishments” which the magistrates throughout the provinces inflicted on the righteous and the innocent.
Notes and citation
Summary: No one could recount all the crimes and punishments inflicted on the innocent.
- Adapted from Virgil, Aen. 6.625–627. “had” (sint) is the editor's supplement.
Extrabiblical texts: Virgil, Aen. 6.625–627 (Virgil; quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.2 (CSEL 27.2:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.3CSEL 27.2:189
uerum quid opus est illa narrare praecipue tibi, Donate carissime, qui praeter ceteros tempestatem turbidae persecutionis expertus es?
But what need is there to tell these things, especially to you, dearest Donatus, who more than the rest have experienced the storm of that turbulent persecution?
Notes and citation
Summary: Donatus himself knows these sufferings well.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.3 (CSEL 27.2:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.4CSEL 27.2:189
nam cum incidisses in Flaccinum praefectum, non pusillum homicidam, deinde in Hieroclem ex uicario praesidem, qui auctor et consiliarius ad faciendam persecutionem fuit, postremo in Priscillianum successorem eius, documentum omnibus inuictae fortitudinis praebuisti.
For when you fell into the hands of Flaccinus the prefect, no petty murderer, then of Hierocles, promoted from deputy to governor, who was the author and adviser of the persecution, and lastly of Priscillianus his successor, you gave to all an example of unconquered fortitude.
Notes and citation
Summary: Donatus stood firm before three successive persecuting officials.
- Sossianus Hierocles, governor of Bithynia, also wrote against the Christians.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.4 (CSEL 27.2:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.5CSEL 27.2:189–190
nouies enim tormentis cruciatibusque uariis subiectus nouies aduersarium gloriosa confessione uicisti, nouem proeliis zabulum cum satellitibus suis debellasti, nouem uictoriis saeculum cum suis terroribus triumphasti.
For nine times, subjected to tortures and various torments, nine times you conquered the adversary by a glorious confession; in nine battles you defeated the devil with his henchmen; by nine victories you triumphed over the world with its terrors.
Notes and citation
Summary: Tortured nine times, Donatus nine times confessed and overcame the devil.
- Zabulus is a Latin form of diabolus, “the devil”.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.5 (CSEL 27.2:189–190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.6CSEL 27.2:190
quam iucundum illud spectaculum deo fuit, cum uictorem te cerneret non candidos equos aut immanes elephantos, sed ipsos potissimum triumphatores currui tuo subiungentem!
How delightful that spectacle was to God, when he saw you a victor, yoking to your chariot not white horses or huge elephants, but the very triumphers themselves!
Notes and citation
Summary: God delighted to see Donatus triumph over the persecutors.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.6 (CSEL 27.2:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.7CSEL 27.2:190
hic est uerus triumphus, cum dominatores dominantur. uicti enim tua uirtute ac subiugati sunt, quandoquidem nefanda iussione contempta omnes apparatus ac terriculas tyrannicae potestatis fide stabili et robore animi profligasti.
This is the true triumph, when the masters are mastered. For they were conquered and subdued by your courage, since, scorning the wicked command, you routed with steadfast faith and strength of mind all the apparatus and bugbears of tyrannical power.
Notes and citation
Summary: The true triumph is when tyrants are overcome by a believer's steadfast faith.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): tIiumphus → triumphus.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.7 (CSEL 27.2:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.8CSEL 27.2:190
nihil aduersus te uerbera, nihil ungulae, nihil ignis, nihil ferrum, nihil uaria tormentorum genera ualuerunt: adimere tibi fidem ac deuotionem nulla uis potuit.
Against you scourges availed nothing, claws nothing, fire nothing, the sword nothing, the various kinds of torture nothing: no force could take away your faith and devotion.
Notes and citation
Summary: No torture could take away Donatus's faith.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.8 (CSEL 27.2:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.9CSEL 27.2:190
hoc est esse discipulum dei, hoc est militem Christi, quem nullus hostis expugnet. nullus lupus de castris caelestibus rapiat, nullus laqueus inducat, nullus dolor uincat, nullus cruciatus affligat.
This is to be a disciple of God, this is to be a soldier of Christ, whom no enemy can storm, no wolf snatch from the heavenly camp, no snare entrap, no pain conquer, no torment overwhelm.
2 Tim 2:3 (echo, low confidence) · John 10:12 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A true disciple and soldier of Christ cannot be overcome by any enemy or pain.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.9 (CSEL 27.2:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.10CSEL 27.2:190
denique post illas nouem gloriosissimas pugnas, quibus a te zabulus uictus est, non est ausus ulterius congredi tecum, quem tot proeliis expertus est non posse superari.
Finally, after those nine most glorious fights, in which the devil was conquered by you, he did not dare to engage with you further, having learned by so many battles that you could not be overcome.
Notes and citation
Summary: After nine defeats the devil gave up attacking Donatus.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.10 (CSEL 27.2:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
16.11CSEL 27.2:190
et cum tibi parata esset uictrix corona, desiit amplius prouocare, ne iam sumeres: quam licet non acceperis in praesenti, tamen integra tibi pro uirtutibus tuis et meritis in regno domini reseruatur. sed redeamus ad ordinem rerum.
And though the victor's crown was ready for you, he ceased to challenge you further, so that you might not now take it; and although you have not received it at present, it is nevertheless kept intact for you in the kingdom of the Lord for your virtues and merits. But let us return to the order of events.
2 Tim 4:8 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Donatus's martyr's crown, though not yet received, is kept for him in God's kingdom.
Topics: Martyrdom, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 16.11 (CSEL 27.2:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-16-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 17
17.1CSEL 27.2:190
Hoc igitur scelere perpetrato Diocletianus, cum iam felicitas ab eo recessisset, perrexit statim Romam, ut illic uicennalium diem celebraret, qui erat futurus a. d. duodecimum Kalendas Decembres.
When this crime had been committed, Diocletian, since good fortune had now departed from him, went at once to Rome to celebrate there the day of his twentieth anniversary, which was to fall on the twelfth day before the Kalends of December.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian went to Rome to celebrate his twentieth anniversary.
- 20 November 303.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.1 (CSEL 27.2:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.2CSEL 27.2:190–191
quibus sollemnibus celebratis cum libertatem populi Romani ferre non poterat, impatiens et aeger animi prorupit ex urbe impendentibus Kalendis Ianuariis, quibus illi nonus consulatus deferebatur.
When these solemnities had been celebrated, since he could not bear the freedom of the Roman people, impatient and sick at heart he broke out of the city as the Kalends of January approached, on which his ninth consulship was to be conferred on him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Unable to bear the Roman people's freedom of speech, he left Rome before his ninth consulship.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.2 (CSEL 27.2:190–191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.3CSEL 27.2:191
tredecim dies tolerare non potuit, ut Romae potius quam Rauennae procederet consul, sed profectus hieme saeuiente, frigore atque imbribus uerberatus morbum lenem, at perpetuum contraxit uexatusque per omne iter lectica plurimum uehebatur.
He could not endure thirteen days so as to enter on his consulship at Rome rather than at Ravenna; but, setting out while winter raged, battered by cold and rain, he contracted a slight but lingering illness, and, troubled throughout the whole journey, he was carried mostly in a litter.
Notes and citation
Summary: Travelling in winter, he fell ill and had to be carried in a litter.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.3 (CSEL 27.2:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.4CSEL 27.2:191
sic aestate transacta per circuitum ripae Istricae Nicomediam uenit morbo iam graui insurgente: quo cum se premi uideret, prolatus est tamen, ut circum quem fecerat dedicaret anno post uicennalia repleto.
So, the summer having passed, by a circuit along the bank of the Danube he came to Nicomedia, the disease now growing serious; and though he saw himself oppressed by it, he was nevertheless brought out to dedicate the circus he had built, a year after the twentieth anniversary had been completed.
Notes and citation
Summary: Seriously ill, he returned to Nicomedia and dedicated his circus there.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.4 (CSEL 27.2:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.5CSEL 27.2:191
deinde ita languore < eat > oppressus, ut per omnes deos pro uita eius rogaretur, donec Idibus Decembribus luctus repente in palatio, maestitia et lacrimae iudicum, trepidatio et silentium tota ciuitate.
Then he was so overcome by weakness that prayers were offered to all the gods for his life, until on the Ides of December there was suddenly mourning in the palace, grief and tears among the magistrates, alarm and silence in the whole city.
Notes and citation
Summary: In December 304 he was thought to have died.
- The digital text has a stray “< eat >”, probably damaged supplement; it is not translated.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.5 (CSEL 27.2:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.6CSEL 27.2:191
iam non modo mortuum, sed etiam sepultum dicebant, cum repente mane postridie peruagari fama quod uiueret, domesticorum ac iudicum uultus alacritate mutari.
They were already saying that he was not only dead but buried, when suddenly next morning a report spread that he was alive, and the faces of the household and the magistrates changed to cheerfulness.
Notes and citation
Summary: The next day word spread that he was alive.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.6 (CSEL 27.2:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.7CSEL 27.2:191
non defuerunt qui suspicarentur celari mortem eius, donec Caesar ueniret, ne quid forte a militibus nouaretur.
There were those who suspected that his death was being concealed until the Caesar should come, lest the soldiers perhaps attempt some revolution.
Notes and citation
Summary: Some suspected his death was being hidden until Galerius arrived.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.7 (CSEL 27.2:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.8CSEL 27.2:191
quae suspicio tantum ualuit, ut nemo crederet eum uiuere, nisi Kalendis Martiis prodisset, uix agnoscendus, quippe qui anno fere toto aegritudine tabuisset.
This suspicion was so strong that no one believed he was alive until he came forth on the Kalends of March, scarcely recognizable, since he had wasted away with sickness for almost a whole year.
Notes and citation
Summary: He appeared on 1 March 305, barely recognizable.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.8 (CSEL 27.2:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
17.9CSEL 27.2:191–192
et ille Idibus Decembribus morte sopitus animam receperat, nec tamen totam. demens enim factus est, ita ut certis horis insaniret, certis resipisceret.
And he, lulled into death on the Ides of December, had recovered his life, yet not wholly. For he had become deranged, so that at certain hours he was insane and at others came to his senses.
Notes and citation
Summary: He had recovered but was intermittently insane.
- The claim of madness is the author's and is not reported by other sources.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 17.9 (CSEL 27.2:191–192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-17-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 18
18.1CSEL 27.2:192
Nec multis post diebus Caesar aduenit, non ut patri gratularetur, sed ut eum cogeret imperio cedere. iam conflixerat nuper <cum> Maximiano sene eumque terruerat iniecto armorum ciuilium metu.
Not many days later the Caesar arrived, not to congratulate his father but to force him to give up the throne. He had lately clashed with old Maximian and had frightened him by raising the fear of civil war.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius came to force Diocletian to abdicate, having already intimidated Maximian.
- “with” is the editor's supplement.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.1 (CSEL 27.2:192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.2CSEL 27.2:192
aggressus est ergo Diocletianum primum molliter et amice, iam senem esse dicens, iam minus ualidum et administrandae rei publicae inhabilem: debere illum requiescere post labores. simul et exemplum Neruae proferebat, qui imperium Traiano tradidisset.
So he approached Diocletian, at first gently and in a friendly way, saying that he was now old, now less strong and unfit to administer the state; that he ought to rest after his labours. At the same time he brought forward the example of Nerva, who had handed over the empire to Trajan.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius urged Diocletian to retire, citing Nerva's handing over power to Trajan.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.2 (CSEL 27.2:192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.3CSEL 27.2:192
ille uero aiebat et indecens esse, si post tantam sublimis fastigii claritatem in humilis uitae tenebras decidisset, et minus tutum, quod in tam longo imperio multorum sibi odia quaesisset:
But he said that it would be both unseemly, if after such brilliance of lofty eminence he should fall into the darkness of a humble life, and less safe, since in so long a reign he had earned the hatred of many;
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian replied that retirement would be undignified and unsafe.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.3 (CSEL 27.2:192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.4CSEL 27.2:192
Neruam uero uno anno imperantem, cum pondus et curam tantarum rerum uel aetate uel insolentia ferre non quiret, abiecisse gubernaculum rei publicae atque ad priuatam uitam redisse, in qua consenuerat. uerum si nomen imperatoris cuperet adipisci, impedimento nihil esse quominus omnes Augusti nuncuparentur.
and that Nerva, having reigned a single year, since from age or inexperience he could not bear the weight and care of such great affairs, had cast aside the helm of state and returned to the private life in which he had grown old. But if he desired to obtain the name of emperor, nothing prevented all of them from being called Augusti.
Notes and citation
Summary: Nerva was a poor parallel; but all could be named Augusti if Galerius wanted the title.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.4 (CSEL 27.2:192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.5CSEL 27.2:192–193
at ille, qui orbem totum iam spe inuaserat, quoniam sibi aut nihil praeter nomen aut < non) multum uidebat accedere, respondit debere ipsius dispositionem in perpetuum conseruari, ut duo sint in re publica maiores, qui summam rerum teneant, item duo minores, qui sint adiumento: inter duos facile posse concordiam seruari, inter quattuor pares nullo modo.
But he, who in hope had already seized the whole world, since he saw that either nothing but the name or not much would come to him, replied that Diocletian's own arrangement ought to be preserved forever: that there should be two senior rulers in the state to hold supreme power, and likewise two junior ones to assist them; between two, concord could easily be kept, between four equals in no way.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius insisted on keeping two senior and two junior emperors.
- “not” is the editor's supplement.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.5 (CSEL 27.2:192–193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.6CSEL 27.2:193
si ipse cedere noluisset, se sibi consulturum, ne amplius minor et extremus esset. iam fluxisse annos quindecim <quibus> in Illyricum id est ad ripam Danuuii relegatus cum gentibus barbaris luctaretur, cum alii intra laxiores et quietiores terras delicate imperarent.
If he himself refused to give way, he would look after himself, so as no longer to be the junior and the last. Fifteen years had already passed in which, banished to Illyricum, that is, to the bank of the Danube, he had been struggling with barbarian nations, while others ruled in comfort within more spacious and quieter lands.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius threatened to act for himself after fifteen hard years on the Danube frontier.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.6 (CSEL 27.2:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.7CSEL 27.2:193
his auditis senex languidus, qui iam et Maximiani senis litteras acceperat scribentis quaecumque locutus fuisset. et didicerat augeri ab eo exercitum, lacrimabundus fiat inquit si hoc placet.
When he heard this, the feeble old man, who had already received a letter from old Maximian writing whatever the other had said to him, and had learned that he was increasing his army, said in tears, “Let it be, if this pleases you.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian tearfully agreed.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.7 (CSEL 27.2:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.8CSEL 27.2:193
supererat ut communi consilio omnium Caesares legerentur. quid opus est consilio, cum sit necesse illis duobus placere quicquid nos fecerimus?) — ita plane. nam illorum filios nuncupari necesse est.
It remained that the Caesars should be chosen by the common counsel of all. “What need is there of counsel, since whatever we two have done must necessarily please those two?” “Just so. For their sons must be named.”
Notes and citation
Summary: The choice of new Caesars was discussed.
- The dialogue form is rhetorical; the speakers are not always marked in the text. The digital text marks uncertain characters here.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.8 (CSEL 27.2:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.9CSEL 27.2:193
erat autem Maximiano < filius > Maxentius, huius ipsius Maximiani gener, homo perniciosae ac malae mentis, adeo superbus et contumax, ut neque patrem neque socerum solitus sit adorare, et idcirco utrique inuisus fuit.
Now Maximian had a son, Maxentius, the son-in-law of this very Maximian, a man of pernicious and evil mind, so proud and stubborn that he was not accustomed to pay homage either to his father or to his father-in-law, and for that reason he was hated by both.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximian's son Maxentius, Galerius's son-in-law, was hated by both.
- “this very Maximian” is Galerius. “son” is the editor's supplement.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.9 (CSEL 27.2:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.10CSEL 27.2:193
Constantio quoque filius erat Constantinus, sanctissimus adulescens et illo fastigio dignissimus, qui insigni et decoro habitu corporis et industria militari et probis moribus et comitate singulari a militibus amaretur, a priuatis et optaretur. eratque tunc praesens iam pridem a Diocletiano factus tribunus ordinis primi. — quid ergo fiet?
Constantius too had a son, Constantine, a most upright young man and most worthy of that eminence, who by his distinguished and comely bearing, his military energy, his upright character, and his singular courtesy was loved by the soldiers and desired by private citizens too. And he was then present, having long since been made a tribune of the first order by Diocletian. “What then shall be done?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Constantine, Constantius's son, was popular and present at court.
- The author's praise of Constantine reflects his position as tutor to Constantine's son Crispus.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.10 (CSEL 27.2:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.11CSEL 27.2:193–194
- ille inquit dignus non est. qui enim me priuatus contempsit, quid faciet, cum imperium acceperit? — hic uero et amabilis est et ita imperaturus, ut patre suo melior et clementior iudicetur. — ita fiet ut ego non possim facere quae uelim. eos igitur oportet nuncupari qui sint in mea potestate, qui timeant, qui nihil faciant nisi meo iussu.
“He,” he said, “is not worthy. For one who despised me as a private man, what will he do when he has received power?” “But this one is both lovable and will so rule that he will be judged better and more merciful than his father.” “So it will turn out that I cannot do what I want. So those must be named who are in my power, who fear, who do nothing except at my command.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius rejected Maxentius and Constantine and demanded Caesars under his own control.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray letter in the digital text): lita fiet → ita fiet.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.11 (CSEL 27.2:193–194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.12CSEL 27.2:194
— quos ergo faciemus? - Seuerum inquit. — illumne saltatorem temulentum ebriosum. cui nox pro die est et dies pro nocte? — dignus. inquit quoniam militibus fideliter praefuit. et eum misi ad Maximianum, ut ab eo induatur).
“Whom then shall we make?” “Severus,” he said. “That dancer, that drunkard, that sot, for whom night is day and day night?” “He is worthy,” he said, “since he has commanded soldiers faithfully; and I have sent him to Maximian to be invested by him.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius proposed Severus, whom Diocletian scorned as a drunkard.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.12 (CSEL 27.2:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.13CSEL 27.2:194
— esto. alterum quem dabis? — hunc inquit ostendens Daiam adulescentem quendam semibarbarum, quem recens iusserat Maximinum uocari de suo nomine. nam et ipsi Diocletianus nomen ex parte mutauerat ominis causa, quia Maximianus fidem summa religione praestabat.
“So be it. Whom will you give as the other?” “This one,” he said, pointing to Daia, a certain half-barbarian young man, whom he had recently ordered to be called Maximinus after his own name. For Diocletian too had partly changed Galerius's own name, for the sake of the omen, because Maximian had shown loyalty with the utmost devotion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius proposed his nephew Daia, renamed Maximinus.
- Maximinus Daia was Galerius's nephew. The sentence about the change of name is compressed: Galerius's own name had originally been Maximinus, and Diocletian had changed it to Maximianus as an omen, because Maximian (Herculius) had been so loyal; Galerius now passed his old name Maximinus on to Daia.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.13 (CSEL 27.2:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-13).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.14CSEL 27.2:194
— quis est hic i quem mihi oers? — meus inquit affinis. — at ille gemebundus non idoneos homines mihi das quibus tutela rei publicae committi possit\\ — probaui eos inquit. — tu uideris, qui regimen imperii suscepturus es.
“Who is this you are offering me?” “My relative,” he said. And the other, groaning: “You are not giving me men to whom the guardianship of the state can be entrusted.” “I have tested them,” he said. “You will see to it, since you are about to take up the government of the empire.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian protested that the men were unfit, but left the responsibility to Galerius.
- The digital text is damaged at the beginning (“i quem mihi oers”, probably for quem mihi offers).
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.14 (CSEL 27.2:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-14).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
18.15CSEL 27.2:194
ego satis laboraui et prouidi quemadmodum me imperante res publica staret incolumis. si quid accesserit aduersi, mea culpa non erit.
I have laboured enough and have taken care that while I reigned the state stood unharmed. If anything adverse happens, it will not be my fault.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian disclaimed responsibility for what would follow.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 18.15 (CSEL 27.2:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/1-1/#p-18-15).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.