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Questions about Nicomedia

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Nicomedia founded by settlers from Megara?

Settlers from Megara established the colony in 712 BC. They originally named the settlement Astacus before it was renamed.

Why did Diocletian choose Nicomedia as an eastern capital of the Roman Empire?

Diocletian selected Nicomedia as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire in 286 AD to serve as the most senior capital within his Tetrarchy system. The city became a major administrative center with an enormous palace and new shipyards constructed under imperial direction.

What happened during the Great Persecution at Nicomedia on the 23rd of February 303 AD?

Diocletian ordered the destruction of the newly built church at Nicomedia on the 23rd of February 303 AD while pagans celebrated the festival of Terminalia. He issued his First Edict Against the Christians across the empire the next day after scriptures were burned and precious stones seized.

Who died in Nicomedia during the early fourth century Christian persecutions?

Saint George died in Nicomedia in 303 AD as a Christian martyr during the persecution. Other martyrs such as Pantaleon of Nicomedia met their end in 305 following similar religious trials.

Where are the ruins of ancient Nicomedia located today?

The ruins of Nicomedia lie buried beneath the densely populated modern city of İzmit. Urbanization in the twentieth century obstructed comprehensive archaeological work before recent decades uncovered statues among the rubble.

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