Decius was the emperor in Rome from 249-251 AD. There was intermittent persecution under Emperor Decius. Bust of Decius.

Persecutions of early Christians resulted in martyrdom for many. One of the earliest persecutions was under the Emperor Nero (64 AD). Bust of Nero, the Museum at Corinth.

Under the fastigium the emperor revealed himself to his subjects. The fastigium was familiar in its use in temple architecture. Fastigium in Diocletian's Palace shot between two columns.

The 9th century statue of Gregory of Nin near the entrance to Diocletian's palace, erected by Ivan Mestrovic. Full view of the statue of Gregory of Nin near the entrance of Diocletian's palace.

Close-up of the feast on the sarcophagus found in the Museo delle Terme.

Reclining statue of San Sebastiano. The statue is a creation of sculptor Antonio Giorgetti under the direction and designed by Bernini.

Helena deserved sainthood as the mother of the emperor Constantine whose Christian faith undoubtedly influenced her son. She is also traditionally regarded as finding the remnants of the true cross.

The pine cone in addition to a symbol of fecundity was also, a la E. Baldwin Smith, seen as domical in nature. The Pigna from old St. Peter's.

This catacomb fragment portrays a shepherd leaning on his staff (left) with two sheep, and a stylized tholoid hut on the right.

There was initially a thin line between honoring one's departed with a very expensive sarcophagus depicting Christian scenes including that of the Eucharist and honoring the martyr-hero (Christ the initial martyr-hero) ...