Decius

Decius, a Roman emperor, whose name in full was C. MESSIUS QUINTUS TRAJANUS DECIUS. He was born at Budalia, in Lower Pannonia, towards the close of the 2d century, and was sent in 249 by the Emperor Philippus to reduce to subordination the rebellious army of Mœsia. The soldiers proclaimed him emperor against his will, and forced him to march upon Italy. Philippus encountered the forces of Decius near Verona, but was defeated and slain. Decius assumed the government of the empire in the end of the year 249, but his brief reign was one of restless warring with the Goths, fighting against whom he was killed near Abricium in the close of the year 251. In his reign the Christians were persecuted with great severity. At Rome, Antioch, and Jerusalem the bishops were massacred, the great Origen was cruelly tortured, and dreadful cruelties were perpetrated at Alexandria.