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Constantine's Religious Toleration Does Not Apply to Jews

10/18/315 CE
Marble portrait head of the Emperor Constantine I. ca. 325–370 CE
Marble portrait head of the Emperor Constantine I.

In a law Concerning Jews, Heaven-Worshippers, and Samaritans, the Emperor Constantine decreed on October 18, 315:

"We wish to make it known to the Jews and their elders and their patriarchs that if, after the enactment of this law, any one of them dares to  attack with stones or some other manifestation of anger another who  has fled their dangerous sect and attached itself to the worship of God [Christianity]  he must speedily be given to the flames and burnt together with all his accomplices.

"Moreover, if any one of the population should join  their abominable sect and attend their meetings, he will bear with them deserved penalties" (Marcus, The Jew in the Medieval World. A Sourcebook: 315-1791, rev. ed. [1999] 4).

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