vid

I have seen this mentioned in some militant atheist "christian crimeline" lists, so I thought it would deserve a separate topic. On IIDB, I have only found this unfinished in topic Okay...will the REAL truth about Christianity's sordid past PLEASE stand up!.

The standard source for this claim seems to be Ammianus Marcellinus' Rerum Gestarum Libri 19.12, translated here:

http://www.oodegr.com/english/pagani...ythopolis1.htm

It speaks of some Paul "Tartaric" setting up Scythopolis as stage for trials and persecution of supposed pagans.

Only other mention of persecution in Scythopolis was by Procopius some 200 years later, this time it was "persecution of christians" (wasn't almost everyone already christian in 6th century Syria?):


There is also mention of exilation of "Eusebius of Vercelli" to Scythopolis


Is there any other source besides these, mentioning christian persecutions in Scythopolis, to establish it as somehow favourite place for "persecutions"? Or just another militant atheist stretch of evidence?

mountainman

The fourth century is generally perceived as a century of christian persecution and intolerance. Much has been written about it in general and this background is necessary if you are going to get specific about the citation to the Skythoplis persecutions. Here are some starting places:

* Vlasis Rassias, Demolish Them - lists the attrocities and persecutions of the fourth century christian regime from Constantine for the next few hundred years.

* The Theodosian Codex - lists imperial decrees and laws enacted from the time of Constantine for the next hundred years. Have a look at them.

* Knowledge Burning by the 4th Century Christians - "This black-robed tribe who eat more than elephants sweep across the countryside like a river in spate … and, by ravaging the temples, they ravage the estates" --- Libanius, Oration 30.9. Note: Libanius is often considered to be "an oasis of humane tolerance" in an age of violence. See A.F. Norman - "Libanius: The Teacher in an Age of Violence". "The unsanctioned use of force" by the christian regime of the fourth century is a fact of history.

Best wishes,


Pete