St. Nicholas (later known as Santa Claus) was born in Patara, Lycia (modern day Antalya province, Turkey) in 270 AD. Lycia was one of the most important cities under the Roman Empire due to its large cedar forest. Cedar was one of the most demanded materials in antiquity - used for construction, ship building and coffin making. Because of this, Lycia prospered under imperial rule. Vast monuments were constructed as a testament of their loyalty to Rome.
The decline of Lycia began with two imposing earthquakes in 141 AD and 240 AD. Then as Christianity began to spread in the 3rd century AD, several Lycia citizens began to refute the sacrifices to the imperial gods. Such refusal was looked at as a treasonous offense and so began the 'Great Persecution' of the early 4th century. The Roman army was directed to forcibly expel all Christians who refused to follow their civic duty to the Emperor.
Of the several martyrs to make a stand in support of Christianity, St. Nicholas who had become the Bishop of the Lycian city of Myra, is perhaps the most well known. In his fight against religious oppression, St. Nicholas used the concealment of night to enter the homes of key city officials and Roman guard, and faithfully dispose of those who would stand against the Christian belief. The 'Christian Upheaval' continued for four years, until 311 AD. During this span, Christians told their children not to fear, that St. Nicholas and the other martyrs knew who should be killed and that no harm would come to those who believed in the one true God. To propagate the belief that such action was the will of God, the spoils of those killed were distributed to those who demonstrated the strongest belief. As such, the movement grew. Before his eventual capture and execution, St. Nicholas and the other martyrs, murdered over 300 citizens and guard in the name of God.
In 312 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine gave up the fight and made Christianity legal.
Is this recount based on fact or fiction...you decide? Until then, J/W
