Alternative Facts: Domitian’s Persecution of Christians

“Despite a lack of evidence, Jones observes that the tradition concerning Domitian’s persecution persists: ‘From a frail, almost non-existent basis, it gradually developed and grew large.’ Thus the alternative facts sown by these ancient historians grew to a truism of Christian history.” - Biblical Archaeology Society

Discussion

I’m preaching through 1st Peter and some of the standard persecution history comes into play there as well. There does seem to be an almost reverential respect for early church martyrs. It’s possible that some of the history has been embellished but it seems there is an opposite extreme as well.