Did Christianity Turn Roman Slavery Upside Down? Maybe.

by Liisa Eyerly

When a novel is set in ancient Rome, it is almost impossible to avoid the subject of slavery. In the Roman Empire, slavery was everywhere. Some historians estimate that as many as one-third of the population was enslaved. Unlike slavery in early America, Roman slavery was not based on race. Masters and slaves were often the same ethnicity, spoke the same language, and sometimes even came from the same region. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Livia%2C_the_wife_of_Augustus%2C_superintending.jpg?

Most Romans saw slavery as a normal part of life. 

Philosophers like Aristotle even argued that some people were “natural slaves.” He believed certain people were meant to do physical labor and were better off being ruled by others. Whether someone became enslaved through war, debt, or punishment, very few people questioned the system itself. Slavery helped power the Roman economy, its armies, and its growing empire. Faustyna E., CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Then Christianity entered the picture.

The writers of the New Testament never directly called for the end of slavery. The Apostle Paul still told slaves and masters how to live within the system that already existed. But Christianity introduced a dangerous new idea: before God, slave and free were equal. Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28 that in Christ “there is neither slave nor free.” In churches across the empire, slaves worshiped beside masters, shared the Lord’s Supper together, and called each other brothers and sisters. 

.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Monuments_of_the_early_church_%281901%29_%2814783189742%29.jpg?

To most Romans, this sounded absurd. Roman society depended on status, rank, and legal divisions. Christianity quietly challenged those divisions by teaching that a person’s value came from God, not from wealth or social position. 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/The_early_days_of_Christianity_%281922%29_%2814765643872%29.jpg

That tension appears throughout my novels set in places like Ephesus. In cities loyal to Rome, Christian communities created an uncomfortable gray area where slaves, merchants, soldiers, and nobles gathered as equals. Roman authorities did not always understand this movement, but they recognized it could weaken the social order that held the empire together, and began persecuting the followers of this strange religion.

Christianity did not end Roman slavery overnight. That would take centuries. But it planted ideas about human worth and equality that slowly began to crack the foundations of the system.  


                                                                                              Fortunes of Death

In the bustling streets of ancient Ephesus, fortunes can change in an instant. When one of the city’s wealthiest citizens is found crushed beneath his own triumphant memorial, the powerful elite demand justice—but at what cost? Enigmatic investigator Sabina faces her most perilous case yet. As secrets unravel and enemies close in, she must navigate political intrigue, dark sorcery, and forbidden love to uncover the truth. In a city where everyone has something to hide, who can be trusted? And how far will Sabina go to solve a mystery that could cost her everything?

Liisa’s books have been called a cross between Agatha Christie and Francine Rivers. Her mystery novel, Obedient Unto Death, won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award for a debut novel and first place in the Spiritual Fiction category. The sequel, Fortunes of Death, continues the Secrets of Ephesus series, weaving fascinating Christian twists into the historical mystery genre of the first-century Roman Empire. Liisa’s travels to Turkey, Greece, and Italy have enriched her stories with vivid depictions of New Testament culture, history, and people.

Liisa’s journey into writing proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams and share your passion with the world.

Purchase her books at:
Crossriver Media 

• Fortunes of Death
• Obedient Unto Death
• My Amazon book page

Visit Liisa at:
Her website www.LiisaEyerly.com
Author Facebook page at Liisa Eyerly Author page

 

A Festive Cena: Evening Dining with Rome’s Elite

by Liisa Eyerly

In ancient Rome, how—and what—you ate was one of the clearest markers of where you stood in society—food drew one of the sharpest lines between power and poverty. Roman Feast by Roberto Bompiani, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

For the elite, dining was a spectacle. Every meal, especially the evening banquet, was a stage, every dish a declaration. Imported spices, rare fruits, exotic meats—these weren’t just foods, but symbols, proclaiming wealth, influence, and control. Servants, silver and gold dinnerware, and ceremony transformed eating into a performance of dominance.

For the poor, food meant survival. Their tables held plain bread, humble grains, and whatever olives, vegetables, or scraps could be afforded. No luxury, no variety—just the bare essentials to endure another day of labor.

Two worlds shared the same city, but not the same table.

Supper or Cena (Main Meal) late afternoon to evening.

Poor—when they returned home from work, often after dark.
Elite—known for their socializing and dinner parties that could last several hours, with reclining couches, entertainment, and wine. An elaborate procession of gustatio–prima mensa–secunda mensa. Three (or more) courses - Appetizer - Main course - Dessert. Often followed by an after-dinner drinking party.

No Guests, No Showmanship
Anonymous Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Even wealthy Romans didn’t stage a banquet every night. When it was just the family, Cena was:

✨ 1. Smaller in Scale
Fewer courses—often just two (a main course and a simple dessert).

✨ 2. More Comfortable and Intimate
Reclining was still common, but the atmosphere was relaxed.
Family members ate together without the pressure of political theater.
Fewer slaves were needed for serving—maybe just a couple instead of a full staff.

✨ 3. Traditional, Not Showy

Without guests to impress, Roman elites didn’t waste expensive delicacies. Nothing that required exotic ingredients or hours of preparation—just good household cooking.
Instead of flamingo tongues or peacock, they might eat:
· Grilled fish or chicken
· Vegetables like cabbage, leeks, or lentils
· Bread and cheese
· Fruit in season
When not entertaining, even the elites did not eat tons of meat, but when they did, fish, seafood, poultry, smoked pork liver sausage, roasted goat, boiled hare, and baked scrambled eggs were common. Vatican Museums, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

✨ 4. Even on a Modest Night, the Meals of the Elite Were Still Better Than the Poor.
· The oil was of better quality – pressed from their own olive groves
· The bread was fresher – baked daily at home
· The produce was more varied – harvested from their personal farms and orchards
· The meat was regular, not rare – supplied from their own farms, often just outside the city or town
· Spices like pepper or coriander were used freely

Some of these foods sound surprisingly modern until you discover recipes from the Roman chef Apicius, for fish liver pudding, stuffed dormice, brain-stuffed squash fritters, and rose patina, a baked dish of scrambled brain and eggs, flavored with roses.

Three of the Strangest Foods Elite Romans Actually Ate

1. Stuffed Dormice  
These little rodents fattened on nuts and acorns. The elite stuffed them with minced pork, pepper, pine nuts, and honey, then roasted them to a golden crisp.
A luxury delicacy—but to modern diners, the idea alone is… memorable.

2. Flamingo Tongues (served at a dinner party in book three, “Powers of Death”)
Yes… flamingos. Elite Romans prized the bird’s bright feathers and considered the tongue the true delicacy. Cookbooks describe boiling them with dates, wine, pepper, and vinegar.

They weren’t eaten for taste so much as for shock value—proof that the host had the means to serve the rarest, most impractical foods.

3. Jellyfish and Sea Urchin Custard
Recipes based on Apicius’s Cookbook IX (1st–4th-century cookbook in modern wording), include recipes for cooked jellyfish dressed with vinegar, oil, and herbs, and for sea urchins mashed into a thick custard. Part seafood, part dessert: this savory-sweet, custard-like dish was meant to impress (or intimidate!) dinner guests.
Alexcooper1 at English Wikipedia (Alex Pronove)  

Apicius’ Sea Urchin Custard.
Ingredients:
Fresh sea urchins (whole)
Eggs
Pepper
Liquamen or garum (Roman fish sauce)
Passum (sweet raisin wine) or another sweet wine
Optional: a little oil 

Directions:
· Pierce the sea urchins and blend their contents with eggs.
· Season with pepper, liquamen, and sweet wine.
· Pour the mixture back into the shells—or small clay dishes
· Gently cook in hot water in its shell (or in a small dish) until set like a custard mixture
· Serve warm with a sprinkle of pepper

Romans didn’t necessarily love it… But they loved showing they could afford it. Remember, food wasn’t always about taste—it was about wealth, novelty, and the status of serving something rare and difficult to prepare. A true marquee item for a lavish Roman feast. Next month, we’ll delve into the rich world of Roman wines.

For more authentic ancient Roman recipes for modern kitchens, including garum and Roman cheese cake, you can visit Laura Hauser’s website 18 Authentic Ancient Roman Recipes for Modern Kitchens - Recipes For Life

SECRETS OF EPHESUS SERIES

The award-winning series unveils gripping historical mysteries set in the perilous world of ancient Rome. In Obedient unto Death, a scribe is murdered during an illicit Christian gathering. Sabina, a fearless believer, navigates a treacherous world of deceit and betrayal to discover the killer.

In Fortunes of Death, our sleuth returns—risking everything to expose murder, magic, and corruption beneath the empire’s glittering surface. Reviewer Deborah Anne raves: “Murder mystery—Intrigue—Love—Fellowship through Christ. This series has it all! Eyerly is wonderful! If you’re tired of boring—read this series! I love a good mystery!” Prepare to be hooked!

Liisa’s books have been called a cross between Agatha Christie and Francine Rivers. Her mystery, Obedient Unto Death, won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award for a debut novel and first place in the Spiritual Fiction category. The sequel, Fortunes of Death, continues the Secrets of Ephesus series, weaving fascinating Christian twists into the historical mystery genre of the first-century Roman Empire. Liisa’s travels to Turkey, Greece, and Italy have enriched her stories with vivid depictions of New Testament culture, history, and people.

Over the years, she’s been a teacher, small business owner, librarian, and lifelong learner. She and her husband live in northern Wisconsin, where she channels her love of history, faith, and mystery into writing captivating and inspiring novels.

Purchase her books at:
Crossriver Media https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/fortunes-of-death/
Amazon book page https://amzn.to/3Di2gyQ

Visit Liisa at:
Her website www.LiisaEyerly.com
Author Facebook page at Liisa Eyerly Author page

Every day is a Holiday: The Dining of Rome’s Privileged

by Liisa Eyerly

The Roman Empire stretched across continents, and with every conquest came new flavors, ingredients, and culinary habits. Exotic foods from distant provinces—spices from Arabia, fruits from Persia, seafood from North Africa—filtered into Roman kitchens. All classes tasted some of this diversity, but it was the elite who truly indulged. They embraced costly delicacies not just for pleasure, but for display—sometimes eating strange or downright unappetizing dishes simply to flaunt their wealth or their access to rare foreign goods.

(Just ask any Roman about garum, the infamous fermented fish sauce produced in massive coastal factories like the one depicted in the archaeological museum at Nabeul!)

If you’ve watched Roman-themed films or read some of my other posts, you know that for the upper classes a meal wasn’t just nourishment—it was theater. A feast was a social event, a political performance, and a declaration of status. As you climbed the social ladder, the food, spices, and preparation became increasingly elaborate, turning the dining room into a stage where power and prosperity were on full display.

Breakfast or ientaculum (sunrise to 8am, later for elites)

Poor - The poor needed calories for their workday and probably had very little variety in their day-old bread, cold barley or spelt porridge, and handfuls of olives augmented with occasional dates, raisins, or onions, and washing it down with cheap diluted wine or posca (a vinegar-water drink common for soldiers and the poor.)

Elite – Despite their wealth, even elites kept breakfast modest, saving extravagance for the midday prandium or the evening cena. A tasteful Roman wasn’t expected to gorge themselves at sunrise!

· The warm, tempting scent of fresh bread that Sabina, my sleuth, breathes in during her early morning walks past the public bakeries would drift just as richly through the private kitchens of the wealthy. Long before sunrise, their cooks and slaves were already kneading dough by lamplight, preparing the daily loaves that would be served with honey, costly olive oil, or soft cheeses from goat, cow, or sheep. Codrin.B / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0 & GFDL

· Porridge: although a staple on all tables, the elite would enrich theirs with honey, nuts, milk, and of course, fruit, which also topped pancakes and filled pastries.

· Fresh fruit: both local and imported would be piled on platters, cooked into jams, and squeezed into juice; fresh figs, grapes, pears, pomegranates, apples, exotic Syrian cherries, Persian peaches, and citrons, a rare citrus symbolizing status and luxury for the ancient Roman ruling elite. Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
· Eggs: boiled, fried, and in omelets made from all sorts of poultry were a common breakfast protein. Chicken, duck, goose, and rare but served as a sign of status—pigeon, dove, and peacock eggs.
· Cooked meat: Usually reserved for lunch or the evening meal but cold sausages, meat pies from the previous day, and fish was served.

This fresco is on a wall of a hallway of a Pompeii home that had a bakery in its annex. The fresco depicts a goblet of wine and various fruits, that include a pomegranate and a likely date. The pizza-like bread appears to have moretum, a cheese spread with herbs that was popular in ancient Rome. (see recipe link below)

Lunch or Prandium (Midday Meal) — (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) The Romans did not enjoy eating a large meal in the heat of the day. Lunch was generally light and informal—even for wealthy households. It was often eaten: * Sitting on a small stool * At a simple household table *Standing in the kitchen courtyard

Poor – cold meal to keep up energy – leftovers, bread (olive oil), carrots, turnips, and congealed porridge. Posca or cheap water-down wine.
Elite —
· Cold meats from last night’s dinner
· Grilled fish, shellfish, or poultry 
· Salads of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil
· Light pastries or sweetened nuts
· Egg dishes, omelets and custards
· Imported fruit like cherries, peaches, or figs
· Bread with honey, olive oil, and cheese
· Drinks: Diluted fine wine, Mulsum (wine with honey), Herbal drinks, and flavored waters

· Moretum —a Roman cheese spread made by mixing goat cheese with herbs, nuts, and olive oil using a mortar and pestle. It was eaten on flatbreads, much like modern dips or spreads. Some versions had garlic, resembling early pesto, while others used fruit for sweetness.

recipe https://recipes-for-life.com/ancient-roman-recipes/ 

Self-photographed by User:Bullenwächter, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

For elites, lunch was a chance to refresh and socialize—never a feast, but decidedly pleasant.

We’ve now worked our way toward next month's blog post - the grand finale: cena, the evening meal—where elite Romans truly put their wealth, refinement, and ambition on display. If you’d like to dive deeper into the fascinating world of Roman dining, I’ve explored these topics in earlier blog posts on my website, liisaeyerly.com.

In my August 2020 post, If You Eat With Your Fingers, You Might Be a Roman, I walk through the elaborate structure of elite dinners, including the ideal number of guests and the strict seating hierarchy that governed every triclinium.

And in February 2021, Grilled Sow’s Belly for Dinner, Anyone?, I highlight some of the most extravagant foods ever served at a Roman feast—among them one of my personal favorites: tender, milk-fed snails.

Together, these posts offer a vivid look at the rituals, extravagance, and surprising delicacies that made a Roman dinner an unforgettable social event.

SECRETS OF EPHESUS SERIES

Obedient Unto Death opens a gripping historical-mystery series set in the perilous world of first-century Rome, where early Christians walk a razor’s edge between faith and survival. In Fortunes of Death, fearless Christian sleuth Sabina returns—risking everything to expose murder, magic, and corruption beneath the empire’s glittering surface. With rich historical detail and powerful spiritual themes, author Liisa Eyerly delivers intrigue, danger, and hope in equal measure. Reviewer Deborah Anne raves: “Murder mystery—Intrigue—Love—Fellowship through Christ. This series has it all! Eyerly is wonderful! If you’re tired of boring—read this series! I love a good mystery!” Prepare to be hooked!

Liisa’s books have been called a cross between Agatha Christie and Francine Rivers. Her mystery novel, Obedient Unto Death, won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award for a debut novel and first place in the Spiritual Fiction category. The sequel, Fortunes of Death, continues with fresh intrigue and devilish twists. Liisa’s travels through Turkey, Greece, and Italy bring authenticity and color to every page, enriching her mysteries with vivid depictions of New Testament culture, history, and the people who shaped it.

Over the years, she’s been a teacher, small business owner, librarian, and lifelong learner. She and her husband live in northern Wisconsin where she channels her love of history, faith, and mystery into writing captivating and inspiring novels. Liisa’s journey into writing proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams and share your passion with the world.

Purchase her books at:
Crossriver Media https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/fortunes-of-death/
Amazon book page https://amzn.to/3Di2gyQ

Visit Liisa at:
Her website www.LiisaEyerly.com
Author Facebook page at Liisa Eyerly Author page

Bibliography:
Wikipedia.com
Grokapedia.com
What did the ancient romans eat for breakfast? - Ancient Rome - February 24, 2023 by Ellen Hunter

Poor vs. Wealthy: Dining in Ancient Rome (part 2 0f 2) by Liisa Eyerly

Last month, I dove into the street food culture of ancient Rome, where the scent of fish stews and sizzling vegetables drifted through narrow alleyways. In a city where most residents lived in cramped insulae—apartment buildings where cooking fires were a deadly hazard—home kitchens were often banned. Instead of stirring a pot at home, Romans flocked to their neighborhood thermopolia—bustling takeout counters lined with steaming clay jars—or to lively tabernae, where mugs of wine, dice games, and gossip flowed late into the night.

These humble establishments kept the city fed and fueled, dishing up far more than survival fare: they offered flavors, fellowship, and a taste of the empire’s diversity in every bite.

What Was on the Menu for the Poor

Specialties—Thermopolia had large clay jars called dolia set into counters, kept warm over embers, ready to ladle out hearty fare: see menu.

• Taberna/tavern Favorites—Taberna catered to travelers and locals alike with portable foods:
• Bread: Flatbreads or round loaves—panis—sometimes topped with cheese, garlic, or herbs—think of it as ancient proto-pizza.
• Olives, Cheese, and Nuts: served alongside bread.
• Cured Meats: Ham, sausages, or salted cuts for those on the go.
• Stuffed Pastries: Filled with honey, dates, or minced meat for a sweet or savory treat.

For most Romans, eating out wasn’t a luxury—it was a daily necessity.

Dining Like the Wealthy
While the working class dined on the go, the wealthy elite lived a completely different culinary life. Their homes featured fully equipped kitchens with ovens and fireplaces for roasting and boiling, as well as servants or enslaved cooks to plan, purchase, and prepare elaborate meals. Dinner parties usually included reclining on dining couches.

Luxury households included:
Imported Ice from mountaintops to chill wine and delicacies.

Maintained gardens for fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers.

Owned farms, orchards, and vineyards, supplying their homes with meat, poultry, olives, nuts, fruit, and wine.

Stocked preserved goods: pickled vegetables, cured meats, and rare spices imported from across the empire.

For the elite, a meal was a feast, a social event, and a statement of wealth and power.

What You Wouldn’t Find on Any Table—Pasta
Despite Rome’s influence on Mediterranean cuisine, pasta as we know it didn’t exist:

Durum wheat was known, but dried pasta dishes didn’t appear until the Middle Ages, influenced by Arab cuisine. The closest Roman creation was lagana, thin sheets of dough layered with fillings—an ancestor of lasagna, but without tomato sauce or mozzarella.

Whether dining at a crowded thermopolia counter or reclining at a lavish banquet, Romans—rich or poor—shared one thing in common: a love of flavorful, well-prepared food. Their meals tell a story not only of class divides, but also of ingenuity, trade, and the rhythms of urban life two thousand years ago.

Fortunes of Death

In the bustling streets of ancient Ephesus, fortunes can change in an instant. When one of the city’s wealthiest citizens is found crushed beneath his own triumphant memorial, the powerful elite demand justice—but at what cost? Enigmatic investigator Sabina faces her most perilous case yet. As secrets unravel and enemies close in, she must navigate political intrigue, dark sorcery, and forbidden love to uncover the truth. In a city where everyone has something to hide, who can be trusted? And how far will Sabina go to solve a mystery that could cost her everything?

Liisa’s books have been called a cross between Agatha Christie and Francine Rivers. Her mystery novel, Obedient Unto Death, won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award for a debut novel and first place in the Spiritual Fiction category. The sequel, Fortunes of Death, continues the Secrets of Ephesus series, weaving fascinating Christian twists into the historical mystery genre of the first-century Roman Empire. Liisa’s travels to Turkey, Greece, and Italy have enriched her stories with vivid depictions of New Testament culture, history, and people.

Liisa’s journey into writing proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams and share your passion with the world.

Purchase her books at:

Crossriver Media https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/fortunes-of-death/

Amazon book page https://amzn.to/3Di2gyQ

Visit Liisa at:

Her website www.LiisaEyerly.com

Author Facebook page at Facebook

Ancient Rome’s Fast Food: Dining on the Go, 2,000 Years Ago (part 1 0f 2) by Liisa Eyerly

It’s the end of a long day. You’re tired, hungry, and the thought of grocery shopping, chopping vegetables, cooking, and cleaning feels like too much. So, like many of us, you opt for something quick—a drive-through burger, a boxed pizza, or a burrito in a paper bag.

But here’s a fun twist: we’re not the first culture to crave quick meals after a busy day. Ancient Romans had their own version of “fast food,” and it was even more common than ours!

 

Life in the Insulae: A Recipe for Fast Food  

In the centuries surrounding the time of Christ, most city dwellers in Rome and throughout the Empire lived in insulae—densely packed, multi-story apartment blocks. Built mostly of wood, these buildings were notorious fire hazards. With no dedicated police force, Rome relied on vigils, a dual night watch and fire brigade, who patrolled streets with buckets and ladders, always ready to fight the next blaze. Italo Gismondi in GUIDO CALZA: Le origini latine dell'abitazione moderna (I), CC BY-SA 3.0<https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Because fire was such a constant danger, many insulae banned cooking indoors. Imagine living in a tiny apartment with no kitchen! Families could nibble on bread, fruit, cheese, or dried fish at home, but if you wanted a hot meal, you had to step outside.

The Roman Solution: Tabernae and Thermopolia (or thermopolium)
If you couldn’t cook your meals in a private kitchen—where would you go? Many Romans purchased food at a tavern or food stand.

Tabernae were bustling taverns where patrons could grab a drink, gamble, socialize, and eat simple meals. My first book, Obedient Unto Death, has Sabina visiting a taberna, A definite no-no for an upper-class woman. Mentnafunangann, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Thermopolia were the true fast-food counters. These street-side shops featured L-shaped counters with embedded dolia (large clay jars) filled with steaming soups, stews, meats, and vegetables, ready to serve.

Archaeologists in Pompeii have uncovered stunning examples of thermopolia, their walls decorated with vivid frescoes of ducks, fish, and amphorae—ancient menus painted in brilliant colors. Customers didn’t sit and linger; they grabbed a bowl of hot food, maybe a cup of watered wine, and ate on the go.

A thermopolia excavated along a main street in ancient Sardis contained two cooking hearths and ceramic and glass dishes for serving food. An L-shaped masonry bench built outside the main door provided customers with seating in the shaded portico. A double-seat latrine was installed in the opposite corner inside. Wide openings in one corner of the structure likely functioned as serving windows, designed so attendants could pass food and drink directly to patrons gathered beneath the portico.

Ancient Convenience, Familiar Feeling
So the next time you’re waiting in line at McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or Little Caesars, picture a bustling Roman street lined with food counters, steam rising from dolia, and merchants shouting the day’s specials. Ancient Romans may not have had French fries or egg rolls, but they shared our need for quick, affordable meals in a busy world.

History reminds us that “fast food” isn’t a modern invention—it’s a timeless solution for tired, hungry people.

Fortunes of Death

In the bustling streets of ancient Ephesus, fortunes can change in an instant. When one of the city’s wealthiest citizens is found crushed beneath his own triumphant memorial, the powerful elite demand justice—but at what cost? Enigmatic investigator Sabina faces her most perilous case yet. As secrets unravel and enemies close in, she must navigate political intrigue, dark sorcery, and forbidden love to uncover the truth. In a city where everyone has something to hide, who can be trusted? And how far will Sabina go to solve a mystery that could cost her everything?


Liisa’s books have been called a cross between Agatha Christie and Francine Rivers. Her mystery novel, Obedient Unto Death, won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award for a debut novel and first place in the Spiritual Fiction category. The sequel, Fortunes of Death, continues the Secrets of Ephesus series, weaving fascinating Christian twists into the historical mystery genre of the first-century Roman Empire. Liisa’s travels to Turkey, Greece, and Italy have enriched her stories with vivid depictions of New Testament culture, history, and people.

Liisa’s journey into writing proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams and share your passion with the world.

Purchase her books at:

Crossriver Media https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/fortunes-of-death/

Amazon book page https://amzn.to/3Di2gyQ

Visit Liisa at:

Her website www.LiisaEyerly.com

Author Facebook page at Facebook

An Impossible Choice: Standing Firm (part 3 of 3) by Liisa Eyerly

The Dilemma of Early Christians

Christian exclusivity to the Triune God was seen as a direct challenge to the established order. By refusing to participate in the state religion’s ceremonies—whether offering sacrifices to the emperor or participating in civic feasts—Christians were perceived as subversive, anti-social, and potentially traitors. They were seen as insulting the gods, and the Romans believed that this would bring divine retribution upon them, resulting in public disasters such as famine, plague, or earthquakes.

As Tertullian (c. 155–c. 220 AD) put it, the Christians were blamed for every calamity that befell the empire:

“They think the Christians are the cause of every public disaster, of every affliction with which the people are visited. If the Tiber rises as high as the city walls, if the Nile does not send its waters up over the fields, if the heavens give no rain, if there is an earthquake, if there is famine or pestilence, straightway the cry is, 'Away with the Christians to the lions!'”

The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr 

Justin Martyr (c. 100–c. 165 AD), one of the most well-known Christian apologists of the early church, was among those who refused to deny Christ under pressure. Despite writing multiple defenses of Christianity and attempting to convince the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius to cease persecuting Christians, Justin, as you can guess by his name, failed.

(A bearded Justin Martyr presenting an open book to a Roman emperor. Engraving by Jacques Callot.)

After refusing to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods, Justin and some of his students were scourged and beheaded. He was a philosopher who knew the risks but believed that the Christian faith was worth the cost of his life. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican traditions. (Mosaic of the beheading of Justin Martyr)

A Thin Moral Line

Like many early Christians, the believers in my novels must navigate the thin line between survival and martyrdom. The Roman authorities often gave Christians a choice: deny Christ, offer sacrifices to the Roman gods, and live—or remain steadfast in their beliefs and die. Could a Christian compromise and save their life with a little white lie? 

A “white lie” is often described as a harmless or trivial falsehood, usually told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. But is it always harmless? For a Christian, could lying to save one’s life really be justified if it meant denying their faith?
(15th-century icon of Justin Martyr by Theophanes the Cretan)

“Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 10:32-33 NKJV)

This teaching made the act of sacrificing to the emperor—or denying Christ in any way—a spiritual betrayal, even if the lie were small.

A Modern Dilemma

The early Christians faced a monumental test of faith, but the persecution of Christians continues in many parts of our world, as documented by groups like Voice of the Martyrs. Christians today still face the decision: lie to save their lives or remain true to their faith? 

Would a little white lie be acceptable, or is there always a moral cost to compromising one’s beliefs?  

-Cairns, Earle E. (1996). "Chapter 7:Christ or Caesar". Christianity Through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church (Third ed.). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan. ISBN 978-0-310-20812-9.
-Clark, Mark Edward (1983). "Spes in the Early Imperial Cult: "The Hope of Augustus"". Numen. 30 (1): 80–105. doi:10.1163/156852783X00168. JSTOR 3270103
- Whitby, Michael; Streeter, Joseph, eds. (2006). Christian Persecution, Martyrdom, and Orthodoxy GEM de Ste.Croix. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-927812-1.
-Jump up to:a b Catherwood, Christopher (2011). "Chapter Three, From Christ to Christendom: The Early Church". A Brief History of the Middle East (Second ed.). London: Constable and Robin Ltd. ISBN 978-1-84901-508-0.
-A Short History of the Early Church, By Harry R. Boer page 45
-Bart D. Ehrman, A Brief Introduction to the New Testament (Oxford University Press 2004 ISBN 978-0-19-536934-2), pp. 313–314
-Bryant, Joseph M. (1993). "The Sect-Church Dynamic and Christian Expansion in the Roman Empire: Persecution, Penitential Discipline, and Schism in Sociological Perspective". The British Journal of Sociology. 44 (2): 303–339. doi:10.2307/591221. JSTOR 591221.

Winner of Eric Hoffer's First Horizon Award, Obedient Unto Death launches the thrilling Secrets of Ephesus mystery series, weaving a captivating Christian twist into the heart of the first-century Roman Empire. When a scribe is murdered during an illicit Christian gathering, an innocent bishop is imprisoned. Sabina, a fearless believer, must navigate a treacherous world of deceit and betrayal to save him. With time running out and execution looming, she risks everything to uncover the truth—before the fragile Christian community is torn apart forever. Will Sabina's courage and faith be enough to stop the injustice before it's too late?

Bio: Liisa Eyerly’s Secrets of Ephesus series adds a Christian twist to first-century Roman Empire mysteries. Her debut novel, Obedient Unto Death (2022), won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award and first place in Spiritual Fiction. The second book, Fortunes of Death, launched in October. A lifelong mystery lover, Liisa was inspired by the Apostle Paul’s depiction of early Christians. After careers in teaching, librarianship, and stained glass, she began writing full-time at fifty. Liisa lives in northern Wisconsin with her husband and enjoys pickleball, kayaking, Bible study, and visiting Ancient Roman sites.

Visit me at my website or my FaceBook author page.
or
Purchase my books at: CrossRiver Media and on Amazon
Fortunes of Death
Obedient Unto Death
My Amazon book page

Thank you for reading!

An Impossible Choice: Consequences (part 2 of 3) by Liisa Eyerly

A Clash of Beliefs 

Being a “good” Roman stopped at the altar of the emperor’s temple. The Bible is clear that the worship of idols and false gods is forbidden. In Deuteronomy 5:9, God warns: 

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”

Christian’s refusal to participate in the state religion—which had an essential role in both government and society—was seen as a rejection of Roman identity itself. It was a clash of beliefs—that Rome intended to crush—and that led to the Christian martyrdoms of the time.

In my Secrets of Ephesus mystery novels “Fortunes of Death” and “Powers of Death,” my female sleuth, Sabina, grapples with the expectation of Christian participation at civic festivals, athletic games, and theatrical performances where an offering of incense is required to worship the emperor or pagan deities—an act abhorrent to a Christian.

The Choice: Lie or Die?

For early Christians living under the Roman Empire, the decision was stark: lie or die. The persecution of Christians was not always systematic or official at first, and many local governors were left to decide how to handle Christians. Without clear legal guidelines, they had to rely on their own judgment when Christians were brought before them for trial. This created a moral dilemma for Christians caught in the persecution.

In scholar Joseph Bryant's view, "Nero's mass executions ... set [such] a precedent, and thereafter the mere fact of 'being a Christian' was sufficient for state officials to impose capital punishment".

Pliny the Younger’s Letter to Emperor Trajan

One of the most fascinating documents from this period is a letter written by Pliny the Younger, a Roman governor in Bithynia-Pontus (modern-day Turkey), to Emperor Trajan around 112 AD. In his letter, Pliny describes his dilemma over how to deal with Christians: 

(Pergamon Temple of Zeus, now in Berlin) 

“I have never before participated in trials of Christians, so I do not know what offenses are to be punished or investigated, or to what extent… Is pardon to be granted for repentance, or if a man has once been a Christian is it irrelevant whether he has ceased to be one? Is the name itself to be punished, even without offenses, or only the offenses perpetrated in connection with the name?

I interrogated them as to whether they were Christians; those who confessed I interrogated a second and a third time, threatening them with punishment; those who persisted I ordered executed. (Fragment of an inscription bearing the name Pliny, Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, Milan)

Those who denied that they were or had been Christians, when they invoked the gods in words dictated by me, offered prayer with incense and wine to your image, and also cursed Christ - none of which those who are really Christians can, it is said, be forced to do - these I thought should be discharged.”

Pliny was unsure whether merely being Christian was enough to warrant punishment or if only specific offenses related to the faith should be punished. If someone recanted and offered incense to the emperor’s image, they were set free. But those who refused were put to death, or if they were Roman citizens, transferred to Rome for a trial.  (Trajan statue, Glyptothek, Munich)

This letter highlights the precarious position of Christians. Would they deny their faith to save their lives, or would they refuse to conform, knowing it could lead to death?

Next time- An Impossible Choice: Standing Firm (part 3 of 3)

-Cairns, Earle E. (1996). "Chapter 7:Christ or Caesar". Christianity Through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church (Third ed.). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan. ISBN 978-0-310-20812-9.
-Clark, Mark Edward (1983). "Spes in the Early Imperial Cult: "The Hope of Augustus"". Numen. 30 (1): 80–105. doi:10.1163/156852783X00168. JSTOR 3270103 
- Whitby, Michael; Streeter, Joseph, eds. (2006). Christian Persecution, Martyrdom, and Orthodoxy GEM de Ste.Croix. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-927812-1. 
-Jump up to:a b Catherwood, Christopher (2011). "Chapter Three, From Christ to Christendom: The Early Church". A Brief History of the Middle East (Second ed.). London: Constable and Robin Ltd. ISBN 978-1-84901-508-0. 
-A Short History of the Early Church, By Harry R. Boer page 45 
-Bart D. Ehrman, A Brief Introduction to the New Testament (Oxford University Press 2004 ISBN 978-0-19-536934-2), pp. 313–314 
-Bryant, Joseph M. (1993). "The Sect-Church Dynamic and Christian Expansion in the Roman Empire: Persecution, Penitential Discipline, and Schism in Sociological Perspective". The British Journal of Sociology. 44 (2): 303–339. doi:10.2307/591221. JSTOR 591221.

Winner of Eric Hoffer's First Horizon Award, Obedient Unto Death launches the thrilling Secrets of Ephesus mystery series, weaving a captivating Christian twist into the heart of the first-century Roman Empire. When a scribe is murdered during an illicit Christian gathering, an innocent bishop is imprisoned. Sabina, a fearless believer, must navigate a treacherous world of deceit and betrayal to save him. With time running out and execution looming, she risks everything to uncover the truth—before the fragile Christian community is torn apart forever. Will Sabina's courage and faith be enough to stop the injustice before it's too late?

Bio: Liisa Eyerly’s Secrets of Ephesus series adds a Christian twist to first-century Roman Empire mysteries. Her debut novel, Obedient Unto Death (2022), won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award and first place in Spiritual Fiction. The second book, Fortunes of Death, launched in October. A lifelong mystery lover, Liisa was inspired by the Apostle Paul’s depiction of early Christians. After careers in teaching, librarianship, and stained glass, she began writing full-time at fifty. Liisa lives in northern Wisconsin with her husband and enjoys pickleball, kayaking, Bible study, and visiting Ancient Roman sites.

Visit me at my website or my FaceBook author page.
or 

Purchase my books at: CrossRiver Media and on Amazon
Fortunes of Death
Obedient Unto Death
My Amazon book page

Thank you for reading!

An Impossible Choice (part 1 of 3) by Liisa Eyerly

Why Were Early Christians Persecuted? 

The Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians began sporadically but escalated over the centuries, starting in 64 AD under Emperor Nero and ending in 313 AD when Constantine legalized Christianity across the empire. However, despite this long period of persecution, most emperors showed no animosity toward the small, upstart Christian sect. The question remains: why were Christians specifically targeted, and martyred, whether by Nero tying them to stakes, tarring them, and setting them on fire as human torches, or being torn apart by lions in the arena to the applause and cheers of festive game attendees?

Rome’s Religion and Political Identity

The Roman Empire was famously polytheistic, incorporating gods from many cultures it conquered into the state religion. This policy was a political strategy that allowed the assimilation of a stunning array of gods and practices, all under one big tent, or rather one expansive empire. Worship of these gods and goddesses, particularly the emperor himself (who was considered divine), was seen as a civic duty, an integral part of being Roman.  

Capitoline Triad of Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva)

For Romans, religion was not a particularly personal matter, but rather one enacted through visible family and public rituals, festivals, sacrifices, and processions. A city’s gods were a reflection of its civic and political identity. In this context, religion was a mechanism for social unity and political loyalty.

In my previous blog, “Mean Gods,” I described the control that the Greek and Roman religious system had over the people. From birth to death, the gods were feared and needed to be appeased. Celebrations, sacrifices, and prayers were overseen by public officials, primarily the Roman Senate.

Why Were Christians Targeted?

If so many divinities were brought to Rome and installed as part of the Roman state religion, why not Christianity?

Christians were exhorted by their scriptures and spiritual leaders to be “good” law-abiding citizens. They paid taxes, helped widows and orphans, and believed in Christ’s commandment. ‘Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.’ (Matt. 7:12 NKJV) They weren’t rioting or demanding special concessions; they were simply different. Perhaps, Christ would have been accepted as one of Rome’s many gods had His adherents agreed that He was just one of many.                            (Marcus Aurelius (head covered) sacrificing at the Temple of Jupiter)

They did not.

Unlike the general populace, Christians were not willing to accept the Roman gods as legitimate. The followers of Jesus Christ had a radically different belief system—they were monotheistic and could not reconcile their faith with the polytheistic practices of Rome. 

Christian exclusivity could accept only one divinity, and it wasn't Caesar.

 

(next month Part 2 of 3 The Consequences)

-Cairns, Earle E. (1996). "Chapter 7:Christ or Caesar". Christianity Through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church (Third ed.). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan. ISBN 978-0-310-20812-9. 
-Clark, Mark Edward (1983). "Spes in the Early Imperial Cult: "The Hope of Augustus"". Numen. 30 (1): 80–105. doi:10.1163/156852783X00168. JSTOR 3270103 
- Whitby, Michael; Streeter, Joseph, eds. (2006). Christian Persecution, Martyrdom, and Orthodoxy GEM de Ste.Croix. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-927812-1. 
-Jump up to:a b Catherwood, Christopher (2011). "Chapter Three, From Christ to Christendom: The Early Church". A Brief History of the Middle East (Second ed.). London: Constable and Robin Ltd. ISBN 978-1-84901-508-0. 
-A Short History of the Early Church, By Harry R. Boer page 45 
-Bart D. Ehrman, A Brief Introduction to the New Testament (Oxford University Press 2004 ISBN 978-0-19-536934-2), pp. 313–314

-Bryant, Joseph M. (1993). "The Sect-Church Dynamic and Christian Expansion in the Roman Empire: Persecution, Penitential Discipline, and Schism in Sociological Perspective". The British Journal of Sociology. 44 (2): 303–339. doi:10.2307/591221. JSTOR 591221.

Winner of Eric Hoffer's First Horizon Award, Obedient Unto Death launches the thrilling Secrets of Ephesus mystery series, weaving a captivating Christian twist into the heart of the first-century Roman Empire. When a scribe is murdered during an illicit Christian gathering, an innocent bishop is imprisoned. Sabina, a fearless believer, must navigate a treacherous world of deceit and betrayal to save him. With time running out and execution looming, she risks everything to uncover the truth—before the fragile Christian community is torn apart forever. Will Sabina's courage and faith be enough to stop the injustice before it's too late?



Bio Liisa Eyerly’s Secrets of Ephesus series adds a Christian twist to first-century Roman Empire mysteries. Her debut novel, Obedient Unto Death (2022), won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award and first place in Spiritual Fiction. The second book, Fortunes of Death, launched in October. A lifelong mystery lover, Liisa was inspired by the Apostle Paul’s depiction of early Christians. After careers in teaching, librarianship, and stained glass, she began writing full-time at fifty. Liisa lives in northern Wisconsin with her husband and enjoys pickleball, kayaking, Bible study, and visiting Ancient Roman sites.

Visit me at my website or my FaceBook author page.
or 

purchase my books at: CrossRiver Media and on Amazon
Fortunes of Death
Obedient Unto Death
My Amazon book page

Thank you for reading!