Editing 303 (section)

== Events ==

=== By place ===

==== Roman Empire ====
* [[Diocletianic Persecution|Great Persecution]]: Emperor [[Diocletian]] launches the last and largest major persecution of [[Christians]] in the Empire. Caesar [[Galerius]] and [[Hierocles (proconsul)|Hierocles]] are said to have been the instigators. In a series of four edicts published from [[February 23]], 303, to 304, the Christians are forbidden to worship in groups, are made to perform sacrifices, and must surrender sacred texts. Churches are destroyed, and the clergy are arrested en masse. The persecution lasts in some parts of the empire until 313, and thousands of Christians are killed. Those put to death include [[Agnes of Rome]], a 12-year-old Christian girl who has refused [[marriage]] and consecrated her [[virginity]] to [[God]]. Hailed as a [[martyr]], she will be honored as the [[patron saint]] of [[chastity]], [[Gardening|gardeners]], [[rape]] victims and virgins.
* [[September 25]] &ndash; On a voyage preaching the [[gospel]], [[Saint Fermin]] of [[Pamplona]] is [[Decapitation|beheaded]] in [[Amiens]] (Modern day [[France]]).
* [[November 20]] &ndash; The [[Augustus (title)|Augusti]] Diocletian and [[Maximian]] reunite in [[Ancient Rome|Rome]] to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Diocletian's accession, which is now treated as a joint anniversary for both emperors. A series of columns in the [[Roman Forum]] and a triumphal arch are dedicated to the emperors. The two emperors also agree on a plan of abdication.
* Galerius wins his third victory over the [[Carpi (people)|Carpi]] and is perhaps joined on campaign by Diocletian. The [[Arch of Galerius]] is dedicated in [[Thessaloniki]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Tuck |first1=Steven L. |title=A History of Roman Art |year=2015 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-4443-3026-7 |page=313 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kaObBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA313 |language=en}}</ref>
* Caesar [[Constantius I]] wins a victory over Germanic invaders in the battle of [[Vindonissa]].

==== Armenia ====
[[File:Էջմիածնի Մայր Տաճար.jpg|thumb|Etchmiadzin cathedral]]
* [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral]] is completed by [[Gregory the Illuminator]] and [[Tiridates III of Armenia|Tiridates III, king of Armenia]].
* [[January 6]] &ndash; Baptism of [[Tiridates III of Armenia]].

==== America ====
* In [[Mexico]], the civilization of [[Teotihuacan]] flourishes.

=== By topic ===

==== Religion ====
* [[March 4]] &ndash; [[Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia]] are [[Martyrdom|martyred]].