Rare Roman manuscript documents crucifixion of Christ and early Christian persecution

The Annals written by the Roman historian Publius Cornelius Tacitus are among the oldest non-Christian sources confirming the existence of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. In the fifteenth book, written about 91 years after the event, Tacitus references the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which marked the beginning of the first organized persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero.

In the manuscript, Tacitus describes Christ as “the man who was crucified during the reign of Pontius Pilate under Emperor Tiberius,” making it a significant historical testimony that aligns with the New Testament. The document also highlights the persecution of early Christians, noting that Nero used public outrage after the fire to blame them, leading to a brutal crackdown involving torture, crucifixions, and public burnings in the emperor’s gardens.

At the time, Christianity was considered a threat to the Roman order due to its monotheistic beliefs and rejection of emperor worship. Despite the persecution, the faith continued to spread and later became one of the world’s major religions. Tacitus’ writings remain a crucial source for understanding this era, known for his critical approach and accuracy in documenting historical events.

It should be mentioned that Muslims, based on the Holy Quran, generally believe that Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) was not crucified but was instead raised to heaven by Allah. Islam views Jesus as a revered prophet, not the Son of God, and rejects the concept of his crucifixion as atonement for sins. Instead, his mission was to guide people to worship one God (Allah).