The early 4th century marked a turbulent period in the Roman Empire, particularly for Christians, who had increasingly gained followers in the decades leading up to this time. On February 23, 303, Emperor Diocletian, in an effort to solidify his power and stabilize the empire, ordered the destruction of the church in Nicomedia, which had become a central hub for Christian worship. This action was part of a broader policy aimed at reinforcing traditional Roman religions and suppressing the growing influence of Christianity which, in Diocletian's view, threatened the unity and stability of the empire. Following this act, Diocletian issued a series of edicts that escalated the persecution, including the prohibition of Christian gatherings and the confiscation of Christian texts, leading to widespread torture and execution of Christians who refused to comply or recant their beliefs.

The impact of Diocletian’s orders resonated far beyond the immediate destruction of the church. The violence instigated a response among Christians, spurring an enduring cycle of martyrdom and resistance. Diocletian's goal was to expunge Christianity from the Roman cultural fabric; however, this led to an increase in visibility for the faith, as the martyrdom of followers began to attract sympathy and interest among non-Christians. This persecution lasted until the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted religious tolerance throughout the empire, eventually leading to Christianity becoming the state religion under Emperor Constantine. The church’s resilience and the legacy of martyrdom created a foundational narrative that would shape Christian identity for centuries to come.