c. 155 – 190s

The Quartodeciman Easter controversy

The churches of Asia Minor celebrated Easter on 14 Nisan regardless of the day of the week. They were called "Quartodecimans," i.e. "fourteeners." Rome celebrated it on the following Sunday.

Already Polycarp of Smyrna had discussed the issue with the Roman bishop Anicetus. The two sides agreed only to mutual tolerance.

Bishop Victor of Rome (189–199) sought to impose uniform practice. He demanded the Asian churches adopt the Roman custom. When Polycrates of Ephesus refused, Victor excommunicated them. Irenaeus of Lyons invoked the earlier tolerance of Polycarp and Anicetus' day and persuaded Victor to back down. The Roman date, though, ultimately prevailed.

The emperor Commodus was favorably disposed to Christians. Under him his mistress Marcia secured the release of Christians from the Sardinian mines, including the future bishop Callistus. The episode shows the Roman bishop's growing influence at court.