Editing Persecution of Christians (section)

==== Valerianic persecution ====
The accession of Trebonianus Gallus's successor [[Valerian (emperor)|Valerian]] ({{Reign|253|260}}) ended the Decian persecution.<ref name=":0" /> In 257 however, Valerian began to enforce public religion. Cyprian of Carthage was exiled and executed the following year, while [[Pope Sixtus II]] was also put to death.<ref name=":0" /> Dionysius of Alexandria was tried, urged to recognize "the natural gods" in the hope his congregation would imitate him, and exiled when he refused.<ref name=":0" />

Valerian was defeated by the Persians at the [[Battle of Edessa]] and himself taken prisoner in 260. According to Eusebius, Valerian's son, co-''augustus'', and successor [[Gallienus]] ({{Reign|253|268}}) allowed Christian communities to use again their cemeteries and made restitution of their confiscated buildings.<ref name=":0" /> Eusebius wrote that Gallienus allowed the Christians "freedom of action".<ref name=":0" />