[German Version]

Roman emperor (c. 180–251 ce). After a senatorial career, Decius was chosen as (anti-)emperor in 249 at the Danube. In his efforts toward the political order and cultic unity of the empire, he issued a universal sacrificial order (supplicatio). All citizens of the empire had to have their performance of the sacrifice officially confirmed (libelli); the refusal of many Christians sparked a major persecution (I) (Eus. Hist. eccl. VI 41.9 f.). After fighting the Goths in the Balkans, Decius fell in 251.

Johannes Hahn