This master’s thesis examines the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, with a particular focus on Diocletian’s persecution edicts and the repression of Christianity during the period of the tetrarchy. The introductory chapter explores the relationship between Christianity and Roman state authority in the first half of the first century, before the onset of organized persecutions. The second chapter provides a historical overview of persecutions preceding Emperor Diocletian’s rise to power in 284. A broader chronological perspective allows for a deeper understanding of the issue, as these processes were not linear and established long-term patterns. The central part of the thesis focuses on the establishment and organization of the tetrarchic system, conceived by Diocletian, and the analysis of his persecution edicts and their implementation by the tetrarchs across the empire. The examined period spans from 284 to 324. The final chapter discusses historiography and sources documenting the historical processes which are studied in this master's thesis.
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