University:
The University Of Western Ontario
Course:
Biology 2290F | Scientific Method in Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

435

Pages:

2
Author:

Kyuwon J.

1. Context and Purpose of the Edict ● Roman Emperor Diocletian in 302 CE. ● Aimed at suppressing the spread of Manichaeism ○ dualistic religious movement founded by Mani in the 3rd century. ● Viewed Manichaeism as a foreign and dangerous sect, originating from Persia and spreading into the Roman Empire. ● “The most depraved sect, hostile to the Roman traditions, must be eradicated before it corrupts the minds of our people” (p. X). 2. Diocletian’s Justification for the Ban ● Political and Religious Threat: ○ Manichaeism was perceived as Persian in origin, making it a potential tool for Persian influence. ○ The Roman state sought to preserve traditional religious values and protect imperial unity. ○ “This alien superstition, born in Persia and brought into our lands, threatens the sacred traditions of Rome” (p. X). ● Moral Corruption and Deception: ○ The edict describes Manichaean teachings as false and deceptive. ○ Accuses its leaders of spreading lies and seducing the ignorant. ○ “They ensnare simple minds with deceit, leading them away from the venerable customs of our forefathers” (p. X). 3. Punishments and Actions Ordere ● Severe penalties for Manichaeans: ○ Leaders of the sect were to be arrested and executed. ○ Followers faced confiscation of property, exile, or forced labor. ○ “Let those who adhere to this abominable superstition be punished according to the severity of their crimes” (p. X). ● Destruction of Manichaean Writings: ○ All Manichaean books and writings were to be burned. ○ The state sought to eliminate the heretical teachings completely. ○ “Their blasphemous writings shall be cast into the fire, that no trace of their falsehood remains” (p. X). ● Ban on Proselytizing: ○ Any attempt to spread Manichaeism was considered a crime against the empire. ○ “Let no man dare to speak the words of this sect, lest he suffer the wrath of the laws” (p. X). 4. Broader Impact of the Edict ● Beginning of Systematic Christian Persecution: ○ The edict set a precedent for future religious persecutions, including those against Christians. ○ Diocletian would later launch the Great Persecution (303–311 CE) against Christians. ○ “The peace of the empire depends on the eradication of impious cults” (p. X). ● Manichaeism Forced Underground: ○ Despite persecution, Manichaeism survived in secret and later spread into Central Asia and China. ○ Future Roman emperors (e.g., Constantine) continued anti-Manichaean policies. 5. Legacy of the Edict ● A Model for Later Religious Suppression: ○ Future Roman and Byzantine laws would mirror Diocletian’s harsh stance against heretical sects. ○ Manichaeism remained a target of persecution by both Christian and Islamic rulers. ● A Shift Toward Religious Uniformity: ○ The Roman state began moving toward a policy of enforcing religious conformity. ○ “Only by preserving the sacred faith of Rome can the empire remain strong and united” (p. X).