303 CE

Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia are martyred. On a voyage preaching the gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens (Modern day France). Great Persecution: Emperor Diocletian launches the last and largest major persecution of Christians in the Empire. Caesar Galerius and Hierocles are said to have been the instigators. In a series of four edicts published from February 23, 303, to 304, the Christians are forbidden to worship in groups, are made to perform sacrifices, and must surrender sacred texts. Churches are destroyed, and the clergy are arrested en masse. The persecution lasts in some parts of the empire until 313, and thousands of Christians are killed. Those put to death include Agnes of Rome, a 12-year-old Christian girl who has refused marriage and consecrated her virginity to God. Hailed as a martyr, she will be honored as the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, rape victims and virgins.

In the 300s, the 4th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • November 20 – The Augusti Diocletian and Maximian reunite in Rome to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Diocletian's accession, which is now treated as a joint anniversary for both emperors. A series of columns in the Roman Forum and a triumphal arch are dedicated to the emperors. The two emperors also agree on a plan of abdication.source

Conflict & Security

  • Great Persecution: Emperor Diocletian launches the last and largest major persecution of Christians in the Empire. Caesar Galerius and Hierocles are said to have been the instigators. In a series of four edicts published from February 23, 303, to 304, the Christians are forbidden to worship in groups, are made to perform sacrifices, and must surrender sacred texts. Churches are destroyed, and the clergy are arrested en masse. The persecution lasts in some parts of the empire until 313, and thousands of Christians are killed. Those put to death include Agnes of Rome, a 12-year-old Christian girl who has refused marriage and consecrated her virginity to God. Hailed as a martyr, she will be honored as the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, rape victims and virgins.source
  • Galerius wins his third victory over the Carpi and is perhaps joined on campaign by Diocletian. The Arch of Galerius is dedicated in Thessaloniki.source
  • Caesar Constantius I wins a victory over Germanic invaders in the battle of Vindonissa.source

Religion & Belief

  • January 6 – Baptism of Tiridates III of Armenia.source
  • March 4 – Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia are martyred.source
  • Etchmiadzin Cathedral is completed by Gregory the Illuminator and Tiridates III, king of Armenia.source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • In Mexico, the civilization of Teotihuacan flourishes.source

Births

  • Xun Guan, Chinese warrior and generalsource
  • Wang Xizhi, Chinese calligrapher (died 361)source
  • Magnentius, Roman usurper (died 353)source

Deaths

  • April 23 – George of Lydda, Roman soldier and martyrsource
  • September 25 – On a voyage preaching the gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens (Modern day France).source
  • Li Liu, Chinese spiritual leader (born 248)source
  • Victor Maurus ("the Moor"), Christian martyrsource
  • Devota, Corsican woman and martyrsource
  • Erasmus of Formiae, Christian martyrsource
  • Pantaleon, Christian wonderworker and martyrsource
  • Cyriacus, Roman nobleman and martyrsource
  • Fermin, Christian bishop and martyrsource
  • Cao Huan, Chinese emperor of Cao Wei (born 246)source
  • Lu Ji, Chinese general and writer (born 261)source
  • Li Te (or Xuanxiu), Chinese generalsource
  • Vitus (or Guido), Christian martyrsource
  • Expeditus, Roman centurion and martyrsource