persecution · 316–324 · Nicomedia
Licinius, ruling the east after Milan, drifted back to repression (c. 316–324): Christian courtiers purged, synods forbidden, churches shut, and scattered martyrdoms — the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, frozen on the lake ice (c. 320), the most remembered. Constantine's victory at Chrysopolis (324) ended it.
Licinius' drift back to repression as war with Constantine neared.
Purges, banned synods, scattered martyrdoms — the Forty of Sebaste; ended at Chrysopolis (324).