persecution · 340–379 · Seleucia-Ctesiphon
When Constantine's empire turned Christian, Persia's Christians fell under suspicion. From 340 Shapur II demanded double tribute, then struck: the catholicos Simeon bar Sabbae was executed on Good Friday (c. 344) with a hundred clergy, and the 'Great Slaughter' ran four decades. Sozomen records that the names of some sixteen thousand martyrs were known; the true toll was reckoned far higher.
Persia's Christians suspected as Rome's party once Rome turned Christian.
The Great Slaughter: Simeon bar Sabbae and a hundred clergy executed; Sozomen knew 16,000 martyrs' names; four decades of blood.