Then final large persecution of Christians began under the rule of Diocletian. This became known as the ‘Great’ Persecution and it took place between the years 303 and 313. Although this was the last of the persecutions the Christians in the Roman Empire, it is also considered to be the most severe. It started with the issuance of the First Edict in early 303. The biggest effect of this edict was that all Christian churches were to be destroyed, as well as all copies of scriptures and liturgical books to be burnt. Another part of the First Edict took away the right of Christians to bring complaints to courts. The Second and Third Edicts were issued later in year 303 AD. The Second Edict ordered the arrest of all Christian clergy. It is believed
