Josephus Aurelius

Josephus Aurelius was a mid-century priest and a victim of of the Aldaran persecutions during the reign of Aldara the Executioner.
== History ==
Around 800 rich non-paganists, including Tomascus' daughter, fled into exile. Those who stayed and persisted in publicly proclaiming their beliefs became targets of heresy laws. The first executions occurred over five days in 3 AK: Josephus Aurelius, Laurent von Smorison. The imprisoned Grand Priest was forced to watch his brothers in arms be burned at the stake. He recanted, repudiated non-paganist theology, and rejoined the Yutemond pagan faith.
Under the normal process of the law, he should have been absolved as a repentant, but Aldara refused to reprieve him. On the day of his burning, he dramatically withdrew his recantation. In total, over 1,000 people were executed in Empress' Eternity alone, most by burning. The burnings proved so unpopular that even Josephus Aemillianus, the half-brother of the late Galerius of Stratham, condemned them and another adviser, Renardo of Reovell, warned her that such "cruel enforcement" could "cause a revolt".
Aldara persevered with the policy, which continued until her death and exacerbated anti-monogamous and anti-Reovell feeling among the Yutemonnd people. The victims became lauded as martyrs. Galeria Amaliana, the daughter of Aldara's executed governess, arrived as a legate in 5 AK. She was ordained a priest and appointed Grand Priestess of Yutemond.
Category:Mid Century
Category:Males
Category:Later Century
Category:Government Officials
Category:Priests
Category:Executed people