persecution · 257–260 · Rome
Valerian's two edicts (257–258) aimed at the clergy and the aristocracy: assembly forbidden, then bishops, priests and deacons executed outright. Pope Sixtus II was killed in the catacombs with his deacons — Lawrence among them, three days later — and Cyprian of Carthage was beheaded (258). Gallienus revoked the edicts in 260.
Valerian's targeted decapitation of the church: clergy and Christian aristocrats.
Sixtus II killed in the catacombs with his deacons, Cyprian beheaded; revoked by Gallienus in 260.