Pliny the Younger wrote to which Roman emperor about Christians?

Pliny the Younger wrote to which Roman emperor about Christians?

• A. Nero
• B. Trajan
• C. Augustus
• D. Hadrian

Answer: (B)

This question tests your knowledge of who Pliny the Younger was writing to about Christians. When Pliny was governor of Bithynia-Pontus around 112 CE, he wrote to Emperor Trajan seeking guidance on how to deal with Christians in his province. Trajan’s reply, recorded in those letters, helps anchor early imperial policy toward Christians: do not actively seek them out, but if they are accused and confess, punish them; if they denounce their faith and offer sacrifice to the gods, they should be pardoned after a warning. This exchange is specifically associated with Trajan, not with Nero, Augustus, or Hadrian.

This question tests your knowledge of who Pliny the Younger was writing to about Christians. When Pliny was governor of Bithynia-Pontus around 112 CE, he wrote to Emperor Trajan seeking guidance on how to deal with Christians in his province. Trajan’s reply, recorded in those letters, helps anchor early imperial policy toward Christians: do not actively seek them out, but if they are accused and confess, punish them; if they denounce their faith and offer sacrifice to the gods, they should be pardoned after a warning. This exchange is specifically associated with Trajan, not with Nero, Augustus, or Hadrian.