Editing Cyprian (section)

== Persecution under Valerian ==
[[File:CyprianusReliquiar.jpg|thumb|Relic of Cyprian in [[Kornelimünster Abbey]]]]
In late 256, a new persecution of the Christians broke out under [[Valerian (emperor)|Emperor Valerian]], and [[Pope Sixtus II]] was executed in Rome.<ref name="CathEn" />

In Africa, Cyprian prepared his people for the expected edict of persecution by his ''De exhortatione martyrii'' and set an example when he was brought before the Roman proconsul [[Aspasius Paternus]] (30 August 257).<ref name="CathEn" /> He refused to sacrifice to the pagan deities and firmly professed [[Christ]].

The proconsul banished him to Curubis, now [[Korba, Tunisia|Korba]], where, to the best of his ability, he comforted his flock and his banished clergy. In a vision, he believed he saw his approaching fate. When a year had passed, he was recalled and kept practically a prisoner in his own villa in expectation of severe measures after a new and more stringent imperial edict arrived, which Christian writers subsequently claimed demanded the execution of all Christian clerics.<ref name="CathEn" />

On 13 September 258, Cyprian was imprisoned on the orders of the new [[proconsul]], [[Galerius Maximus]]. The public examination of Cyprian by Galerius Maximus, on 14 September 258, has been preserved:<ref name=frend />

<blockquote>
<br>
''Galerius Maximus'': "Are you Thascius Cyprianus?"
<br>
''Cyprian'': "I am."
<br>
''Galerius'': "The most sacred Emperors have commanded you to conform to the Roman rites." 
<br>
''Cyprian'': "I refuse." 
<br>
''Galerius'': "Take heed for yourself."
<br>
''Cyprian'': "Do as you are bid; in so clear a case I may not take heed." 
<br>
''Galerius'', after briefly conferring with his judicial council, with much reluctance pronounced the following sentence: "You have long lived an irreligious life, and have drawn together a number of men bound by an unlawful association, and professed yourself an open enemy to the gods and the religion of Rome; and the pious, most sacred and august Emperors&nbsp;... have endeavoured in vain to bring you back to conformity with their religious observances; whereas therefore you have been apprehended as principal and ringleader in these infamous crimes, you shall be made an example to those whom you have wickedly associated with you; the authority of law shall be ratified in your blood." He then read the sentence of the court from a written tablet: "It is the sentence of this court that Thascius Cyprianus be executed with the sword."
<br>
''Cyprian'': "Thanks be to God."</blockquote>

The execution was carried out at once in an open place near the city. A vast multitude followed Cyprian on his last journey. He removed his garments without assistance, knelt down, and prayed. After he blindfolded himself, he was beheaded by the sword. The body was interred by Christians near the place of execution.<ref name="CathEn" />

Cyprian's martyrdom was followed by the [[Martyrs of Carthage under Valerian|martyrdom of eight of his disciples]] in Carthage.{{sfn|Butler|1866|p=198}}