Why were many early Christians martyred?

Many early Christians were martyred primarily for refusing to worship Roman gods. This refusal was seen as an act of defiance against the Roman Empire, which practiced polytheism and expected citizens, including Christians, to participate in civic religious practices. Worship of the emperor and other deities was often intertwined with loyalty to the state, and Christians' steadfast commitment to monotheism and their exclusive worship of Jesus Christ put them at odds with the prevailing social and political norms. This refusal was not merely a personal choice; it was perceived as a challenge to the authority and unity of the Roman state, leading to persecution and martyrdom for those who adhered to their faith.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the primary reasons for persecution. While some Christians may have faced issues related to taxes, the core of their martyrdom was rooted in their religious beliefs and identity. Promoting peace treaties and wandering away from their faith would not ordinarily contribute to the intense backlash they faced from Roman authorities, as these actions did not directly challenge the established religious and social order.