 Tacitus , in one of the earliest non @-@ Christian references to the origins of Christianity , notes that the population searched for a scapegoat and rumors held Nero responsible . To deflect blame , Nero targeted Christians . He ordered Christians to be thrown to dogs , while others were crucified and burned . 
 Tacitus , in one of the earliest non @-@ Christian references to the origins of Christianity , <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>notes</mark></a> that the population searched for a scapegoat and rumors held Nero responsible . To deflect blame , Nero targeted Christians . He ordered Christians to be thrown to dogs , while others <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>were</mark></a> crucified and burned . 
Tacitus , in one of the earliest non @-@ Christian references to the origins of Christianity , note dat the population searched fa a scapegoat and rumors held Nero responsible . To deflect blame , Nero targeted Christians . He ordered Christians to b thrown to dogs , while others was crucified and burned .