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Decius

Decius is a Latin name most often found as a cognomen within the ancient Roman gens Decia. It has been borne by several notable figures in Roman history, and appears in various inscriptions and literary sources.

Notable bearers include Publius Decius Mus, a legendary early Republican figure associated with the devotio ritual,

During Decius's reign, the empire faced multiple crises of the third century. In 250 CE, he issued

Decius died in 251 at the Battle of Abritus against the Goths, and his death precipitated a

Legacy: The term "Decian persecution" appears in Christian historiography; the Decia gens is cited as one of

and
Gaius
Messius
Quintus
Trajanus
Decius,
the
emperor
who
reigned
from
249
to
251
CE.
the
Edict
of
Decius,
requiring
all
subjects
to
perform
sacrifice
to
the
Roman
gods
and
the
emperor.
Refusal
often
resulted
in
penalties,
and
the
edict
is
particularly
associated
with
persecutions
of
Christians.
rapid
change
in
leadership
as
the
empire
continued
to
struggle
with
internal
and
external
pressures.
Rome's
ancient
patrician
and
plebeian
families.
The
name
continues
to
be
used
in
historical
references
to
this
era.