The Diocletianic Persecution of Christians began in 303 AD, initiated by Emperor Diocletian as the last and most severe wave of Roman persecution against Christians. This campaign involved the destruction of churches, burning of scriptures, and the execution of clergy and laity. The persecution significantly impacted the early Christian community, leading to increased solidarity among believers and ultimately contributing to the rise of Christianity as a dominant religion in the Roman Empire.

The Diocletianic persecution of Christians beginning in 303 fueled hagiographic literature and epic poems celebrating martyrs. This profoundly influenced Christian literary traditions, with poets like Prudentius and later John Milton using martyrdom as a theme to explore faith and resilience.