The Apostle Paul is believed to have died by beheading in Rome, likely during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero around 64-68 AD. As a Roman citizen, Paul was exempt from crucifixion, which was typically reserved for non-citizens, so beheading was the common method of execution for him. His death is considered a martyrdom for his Christian faith, possibly occurring shortly after the great fire in Rome that Nero blamed on Christians. Tradition holds that Paul was martyred near the location now marked by the church called St. Paul’s Outside-the-Walls in Rome.