During their rule, the Romans not only strengthened the worship of idols, but some of their governors actively persecuted the Christians.

When she was only twelve years old, she persuaded a pagan friend to convert to Christ through her example and teachings.

The torturers thought that she had actually died, and gave orders that her body be thrown outside the city to be eaten by dogs.

Go and denounce Volusian, so that he and his plans may come to nothing.”[3] Aquilina regained consciousness and went before the magistrate, who sentenced her to be decapitated in the morning, saying that she was a sorceress who refused his imperial decrees.

Later her holy relics were transported to Constantinople where a great basilica was built in her honor near the Forum of Constantine in the Philoxene quarter.