Ryan Reeder
History 307/Cl Cv 307 Roman History
Eric D. Huntsman
December 19, 2000
As governor of Bithynia, Pliny the Younger dealt with a variety of political and social problems. Among these was the issue of what to do about the Christians. In attempting to ascertain the situation, Pliny found himself ignorant in dealing with Christians and sent a letter to the Emperor Trajan soliciting advice. In that letter, Pliny described what his actions had been to that point. Many Christians had been denounced to him, and he sought a confession to determine whether they were guilty of the charge. He warned those who confessed of the accompanying punishment, and if they still affirmed their Christianity after a third and final opportunity for "repentance," he had them executed. His reasoning in this matter was that "whatever the nature of their creed, stubbornness and inflexible obstinacy surely deserve to be punished" (Plin. Ep. X.96). As a result of his dealings with Christians, accusations spread, and an "anonymous document" was circulated with the names of many alleged Christians. Pliny then tried the accused. As a test, he had those who denied they were Christians invoke the Roman gods, do oblation to the image of the emperor, and curse Christ. If they passed the test, they were released. In addition, those who admitted having been Christians described "the sum and substance of their fault or error." They were accustomed to engage in a meeting, sing a hymn to Christ, and take a non-seditionary oath. Afterward they ate a meal-of common food. After further investigation involving torture, Pliny found "nothing else but depraved, excessive superstition." As a consequence of the potential of injury to a variety of members of the populace, Pliny contacted the emperor Trajan. Trajan condoned Pliny's actions, but warned him against "anonymously posted accusations" as "a dangerous kind of precedent and out of keeping with our age."
Pliny the Younger (61/2 A.D.-before 114 A.D.) was a nephew of Pliny the Elder. At the age of eighteen he became a pleader, something like a prosecuting attorney. He survived the reign of Domitian in good graces and became a close adviser to Trajan, to whom he wrote his adulatory Panagyricus. After his involvement with a case involving two former governors of Bithynia, he was appointed governor of the region, in which capacity he probably died. His first nine books of letters were carefully written, and intended for publication. They have a "self-conscious artistry," yet possess "considerable charm" and "present a richly varied picture of the life of the more cultured Romans under the Empire." (1) His tenth and final book, written as governor of Bithynia, still contains this appeal, but deals much more strictly with practical matters. His acceptance by Domitian and the honors he received from Trajan indicate that he was adept at keeping in good graces with the emperors of Rome. His survival skills are inferred in his writing.
This document is a letter with its accompanying response from one government official to his superior. The information shown in this letter deals with the practical aspects of dealing with Christians in Rome-details that might be irrelevant to the situation are omitted. Pliny especially has a special way of writing his letters. His letters are literary works of art. Although he was dealing with the affairs of state, he still intended his letters to be collected and published, and wrote them in an engaging style with fascinating rhetoric.
This particular communication is a valuable source for understanding many things about the time. Through it, we can understand the personality of Pliny, the views of Trajan, the relationship they had, and the attitudes and activities of Christians during this period. In these documents, we see Pliny presented as a cautious, deliberate governor. He has a high respect for the rule of law, and believes in the principle of presumed innocence. This probably reflects on his earlier extensive legal training. In his mind, he governs with fairness and generosity (or justice and mercy) and only performs what is in his best judgment, deferring his questions to a higher authority. Trajan's decision on the matter indicates his "combined firmness and humanity" in administering legislation. (2) It also shows the relationship that Trajan had with his subordinates. The main burden of governing lay with Trajan; other officers merely carried out his policies, though some replies indicate that Pliny might have been more "self -reliant." (3) One of the greatest contributions of this particular document, and a large reason for its especial attention is because it deals with the Christians. Albeit from a second-hand source from those that had disaffiliated themselves with the Church, we learn the nature of Christianity in about 110 A.D. Pliny indicates that some of those accused had ceased to call themselves Christians for as long as twenty-five years-indicating that their involvement reached back into the apostolic era. This document is also very informative in understanding how the Roman empire chose to deal with Christians during the nearly two centuries from Nero to Decius. In addition, it demonstrates something of the popular opinion toward Christianity. As an official government document, it is highly reliable in its accuracy of the treatment of Christians during this age, despite some artificial language. It illustrates the nature of the conflict and instructs on the accompanying measures.
Because of this nature, this document can be used as a historical source in understanding the views and attitudes of the Roman Empire toward Christianity in the early second century A.D. It is also valuable in understanding a local administrator's relationship with his superior. Furthermore, it illustrates the practice of Roman legal codes and ethics. It serves as an example of Pliny's writing style as governor, and illustrates something of his character. As a result, this document is extremely valuable as a portion of the Roman historical record.
Bibliography
Pliny, Epistulae X.96-97 quoted in
Lewis, Naphtali and Meyer Reinhold eds., Roman Civilization: Selected Readings Volume II: The Empire 3rd ed. Columbia University Press: New York, 550-553.
Levens, Robert Grahame Cochrane, "Pliny (2) The Younger," OCD, 704-5.
______,"Letters," OCD, 497-8.
Sutherland, Carol Humphrey Vivian, "Trajan" OCD, 920-921.
1. Robert Grahame Cochrane Levens, "Pliny (2) The Younger," OCD, 704-5.
2. Carol Humphrey Vivian Sutherland, "Trajan" OCD, 920-921.
3. Levens, 705.
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