In 259, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian, the city's bishop, Fructuosus, and his deacons, Augurius and Eulogius, were burned alive. After Christianity became the official religion of the empire, the amphitheatre lost its original functions.
During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian in 259, Bishop Fructuosus and his deacons, Augurius and Eulogius, were executed by burning.  After Christianity was adopted as the official religion of the empire, the amphitheatre ceased its original function.