ABSTRACT
An account of the persecution of Christians in North Africa during the years 180–212, with emphasis upon the background of the persecuting governors. The sources are Tertullian and the Acta Martyrum. Beginning with the martyrs of Scilli early in the reign of Commodus and the conversion of Tertullian shortly after this, his writings are listed down to 212–213, and the occasions that prompted them are analysed. Extracts are cited illustrating Tertullian's defence of religious freedom and his defiant stand against the cruelties inflicted upon Christians. Not all governors were unjust. Four are named as lenient and some prosopographic details emerge about their careers. The martyrdom of Perpetua and her companions is set out in full against the background of what is known of the acting governor Hilarianus. Tertullian recalls the horrible fates that befall persecuting governors, and predicts the spread of Christianity, through the inspiration given by the martyrs.
