Gallienus restores places of Christian worship
About this date: 260 marks Gallienus's change of policy after Valerian's capture; implementation and the quoted rescript may be later.
Eusebius preserves an imperial rescript permitting bishops to recover places associated with Christian worship. He also notes a further instruction concerning burial grounds.
Historical context
The measures precede Constantine by decades. They show an earlier change in legal treatment after Valerian's persecution without creating the later Constantinian settlement.
Key points
- The document addresses named bishops.
- Recovery of worship sites is a practical issue of property and access.
- Cemeteries receive separate mention.
People
- Gallienus
- Dionysius of Alexandria
Sources and further reading
- Church History VII.13
Imperial rescript and notice about cemeteries.