human
What were the actions of Constantius II that marked the beginning of the era of formal persecution against paganism by the Christian Roman Empire?
assistant
The actions of Constantius II, who reigned from 337 until 361, marked the beginning of the era of formal persecution against paganism by the Christian Roman Empire, with the emanation of laws and edicts which punished pagan practices. From the 350s, new laws prescribed the death penalty for those who performed or attended pagan sacrifices, and for the worshipping of idols; temples were shut down, and the traditional Altar of Victory was