Ancient Europe

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Britannica Hong Kong > Encyclopedia Categories > Ancient Europe > Decius, Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus

Decius, Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus

(born c. 201, Budalia, Pannonia Inferior—died June 251, Abrittus, Moesia) Roman emperor (249–251). Of uncertain origins, he served as senator, consul, and provincial military commander before taking the throne from Philip the Arabian. He resisted the Gothic invasion of Moesia and instituted the first organized persecution of Christians throughout the empire (250), which only served to strengthen the Christian cause. He ended the persecutions in 251, shortly before he was defeated and killed by the Goths.

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