Episode 3 Waypoints in Church History The Coliseum and Christian Martyrs Dr. Ann T. Orlando

Waypoint Timeline Hymn: Phos Hilaron Theme: Church in time of martyrdom Focus moves from Jerusalem to Rome

Coliseum (Colosseum) Introduction Construction started by Roman Emperor Vespasian in 71 AD –Completed by his son, Emperor Titus Greatest arena in antiquity –Site of Roman games –Execution of criminals, including Christian martyrs –Site of greatest gladiatorial contests

Pre-History of Coliseum Coliseum stands on land the Emperor Nero (15-68) wanted for his massive Golden House (Domus Aurea) –Roman fire of 64 AD was said to have been started by Nero to clear land to expand his Golden House –To still public outrage, Nero claimed the Christians set the fire –St. Peter tries to flee Rome (Quo Vadis) –St. Paul and St. Peter were executed as a result Vespasian, Roman general fighting against the Jews, became Emperor after Nero committed suicide in 68 AD –To show that he was better than Nero, Vespasian tore down much of the Golden House and built a public theatre, the Coliseum

Typical Day in Coliseum Morning: Animal Fights Noontime: Public Executions –Includes Christians Afternoon: Gladiators Example: Emperor Trajan used 11,000 wild animals and 10,000 gladiators to celebrate his triumphs in 107 AD

Roman Persecution of Christians after Nero Romans did not really care if Christians worshiped Trinity –But expected all Roman citizens to also worship Roman gods –Failure to do so was impious and treasonous Romans become increasingly suspicious of Christians from the end of the 1 st until the beginning of the 4 th C

Christian Martyrs Martyr comes from the Greek, witness Possible Christian responses to persecution –1. Intellectual: Apologies written to justify Christianity to Roman authorities –2. But, if you believed that Jesus only appeared to be human (docetists), then there seemed little reason to be a martyr yourself –3. Some did not have the courage when accused, and so apostatized –4. Facing torture and death without apostasy; often even looking forward to martyrdom eagerly as a proof of solidarity with Jesus

Example: St. Ignatius of Antioch Early Bishop of Antioch Antioch one of most important cities in antiquity –Place where Christians were first called ‘Christian’ –Both Peter and Paul associated with first Christian Church in Antioch –Antioch prides itself on having St. Peter as its first bishop

Ignatius Taken to Rome Arrested in Antioch c. 110 AD Taken to Rome by command of Emperor over land and on prison ship Writes letters to seven Christian communities along the way

Ignatius’ Letters Importance of suffering in imitation of Christ –Opposed to those who did not think Christ suffered (Smy 2.1) Importance of Bishop (Eph 5.1-2) –The truth is taught and passed down from one Christian generation to the next –Unity of Church –Eucharistic Witness during time of persecution (Rom 4.1-2) First time Christian Church is called ‘Catholic’ (Sym 8.1-2) Ignatius’ Letters were frequently referred to by subsequent bishops and theologians, and he is quoted in CCC

Martyrdom of Ignatius Died during reign of Trajan c. 110 AD By tradition he died a martyr in Rome –Likely in Coliseum as part of lunchtime entertainment We remember Ignatius among the martyrs in First Eucharist Prayer Feast Day, October 17

The Coliseum Today After Roman Empire fell, most of the grand ancient buildings also deteriorated Marble from the Coliseum was taken over the centuries for other purposes, leaving only the underlying stone structure Coliseum is one of the most iconic tourist sites in Rome Every Good Friday the Pope Leads the stations of the Cross in the Coliseum

Next Waypoint St. John Lateran Baptistery

Websites for Episode 3 Pope Benedict XVI, Ignatius of Antioch, General Audience, March 14, 2007, available at udiences/2007/documents/hf_ben- xvi_aud_ _en.html udiences/2007/documents/hf_ben- xvi_aud_ _en.html Catholic Encyclopedia, Ignatius of Antioch, available at Recommended English translation: Kenneth Howell, Ignatius of Antioch, A New Translation and Theological Commentary (Zanesville, OH: CHResources, 2008)