Episode 3 Waypoints in Church History The Coliseum

Episode 3 Waypoints in Church History The Coliseum and Christian Martyrs Dr. Ann T. Orlando

Waypoint Timeline • Hymn: Phos Hilaron • Theme: Church in time of martyrdom • Focus moves from Jerusalem to Rome

Coliseum (Colosseum) Introduction • Construction started by Roman Emperor Vespasian in 71 AD – Completed by his son, Emperor Titus • Greatest arena in antiquity – Site of Roman games – Execution of criminals, including Christian martyrs – Site of greatest gladiatorial contests

Pre-History of Coliseum • Coliseum stands on land the Emperor Nero (15 -68) wanted for his massive Golden House (Domus Aurea) – Roman fire of 64 AD was said to have been started by Nero to clear land to expand his Golden House – To still public outrage, Nero claimed the Christians set the fire – St. Peter tries to flee Rome (Quo Vadis) – St. Paul and St. Peter were executed as a result • Vespasian, Roman general fighting against the Jews, became Emperor after Nero committed suicide in 68 AD – To show that he was better than Nero, Vespasian tore down much of the Golden House and built a public theatre, the Coliseum

Typical Day in Coliseum • Morning: Animal Fights • Noontime: Public Executions – Includes Christians • Afternoon: Gladiators • Example: Emperor Trajan used 11, 000 wild animals and 10, 000 gladiators to celebrate his triumphs in 107 AD

Roman Persecution of Christians after Nero • Romans did not really care if Christians worshiped Trinity – But expected all Roman citizens to also worship Roman gods – Failure to do so was impious and treasonous • Romans become increasingly suspicious of Christians from the end of the 1 st until the beginning of the 4 th C

Christian Martyrs • Martyr comes from the Greek, witness • Possible Christian responses to persecution – 1. Intellectual: Apologies written to justify Christianity to Roman authorities – 2. But, if you believed that Jesus only appeared to be human (docetists), then there seemed little reason to be a martyr yourself – 3. Some did not have the courage when accused, and so apostatized – 4. Facing torture and death without apostasy; often even looking forward to martyrdom eagerly as a proof of solidarity with Jesus

Example: St. Ignatius of Antioch • Early Bishop of Antioch • Antioch one of most important cities in antiquity – Place where Christians were first called ‘Christian’ – Both Peter and Paul associated with first Christian Church in Antioch – Antioch prides itself on having St. Peter as its first bishop

Ignatius Taken to Rome • Arrested in Antioch c. 110 AD • Taken to Rome by command of Emperor over land on prison ship • Writes letters to seven Christian communities along the way

Ignatius’ Letters • Importance of suffering in imitation of Christ – Opposed to those who did not think Christ suffered (Smy 2. 1) • Importance of Bishop (Eph 5. 1 -2) – The truth is taught and passed down from one Christian generation to the next – Unity of Church – Eucharistic • Witness during time of persecution (Rom 4. 1 -2) • First time Christian Church is called ‘Catholic’ (Sym 8. 1 -2) • Ignatius’ Letters were frequently referred to by subsequent bishops and theologians, and he is quoted in CCC

Martyrdom of Ignatius • Died during reign of Trajan c. 110 AD • By tradition he died a martyr in Rome – Likely in Coliseum as part of lunchtime entertainment • We remember Ignatius among the martyrs in First Eucharist Prayer • Feast Day, October 17

The Coliseum Today • After Roman Empire fell, most of the grand ancient buildings also deteriorated • Marble from the Coliseum was taken over the centuries for other purposes, leaving only the underlying stone structure • Coliseum is one of the most iconic tourist sites in Rome • Every Good Friday the Pope Leads the stations of the Cross in the Coliseum

Next Waypoint • St. John Lateran Baptistery

Websites for Episode 3 • Pope Benedict XVI, Ignatius of Antioch, General Audience, March 14, 2007, available at http: //www. vatican. va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/a udiences/2007/documents/hf_benxvi_aud_20070314_en. html • Catholic Encyclopedia, Ignatius of Antioch, available at http: //www. newadvent. org/cathen/07644 a. htm • Recommended English translation: Kenneth Howell, Ignatius of Antioch, A New Translation and Theological Commentary (Zanesville, OH: CHResources, 2008)