Well, as the empire became christian so did the persecutions Dating back from Constantine who forbid the construction of new temples, the pagans were at decline. One major act that caused outrage at the Senate was the removal of the Altar of Victory.When Gratian became emperor, colleges of pagan priests lost their privileges and being pagan began to be dangerous. Then it al became darker when Theodosious declared christianism the official state religion. From the destruction of temples across the empire including the famous Serapeum, to the closing of the Vestal Virgins Temple and the sacred fire, pagans were officially persecuted.