For the full history of the Christian martyrs of the Roman Empire, see Eusebius and Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (The Fifth Seal, 303-313, pg. 34).

Eusebius weaves the accounts of the martyrs throughout his History, which covers the rise and progress of the church from its beginning to AD 324. Foxe tells the history of the Roman persecutions and Christian martyrs in Book I of Book of Martyrs. The editions I have used to prepare this volume, are: Eusebius’ The History of the Church, translated and annotated by Arthur Cushman McGiffert, found in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. I-VII edited by Philip Schaff, and published by Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co. in 1890; and Book of Martyrs by John Foxe, edited by Charles A. Goodrich, and published by Edwin Hunt in 1832, as noted in the Bibliography.

Diocletian’s persecution was the tenth decreed persecution under the emperors of Rome (303-313 AD). (The Fifth Seal, 303-313 AD, pg. 33).

“In 303 Diocletian issued in rapid succession three edicts, each more severe than its predecessor. Maximian [his co-regent] issued the fourth, the worst of all, April 30, 304. Christian churches were to be destroyed; all copies of the Bible were to be burned; all Christians were to be deprived of public office and civil rights; and at last all, without exception, were to sacrifice to the gods upon pain of death.”

Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 2, p. 68.