Tacitus (Annals, 109 AD) as non-Christian confirmation of early Christian persecution, crucifixion of Christ under Pontius Pilate, and the movement's origin in Judea

Tacitus, considered one of the best Roman historians, records Nero blaming Christians for the fire of Rome. He confirms: (1) Christians were named after "Christus," (2) Christus was executed under Pontius Pilate during Tiberius's reign, (3) the movement originated in Judea and spread to Rome. Tacitus calls Christianity a "most mischievous superstition" and describes the horrific tortures inflicted — tearing by dogs, crucifixion, burning alive as torches. Tacitus is not sympathetic; he even admits feeling compassion for them was reluctant since they deserved punishment. The point: Tacitus had no motive to favor Christians; his hostility makes his confirmation more credible. Mike also briefly addresses the "Chrestus/Christus" spelling variant argument, dismissing it.