Priscillian, condemned in 384 by a synod at Burdigala (modern Bordeaux), appeals to Maximus, who orders him to the Imperial court.

Bishop Martin of Tours, although greatly opposed to the Priscillianists, had hurried to Trier on an errand of mercy to remove them from the secular jurisdiction of the emperor.

His efforts at affecting reconciliation with the latter lead some to suspect him of heresy.

Maximus had at first acceded to his entreaty, but, after Martin departs, yields to the solicitations of Ithacius.

Judging Priscillian and his six companions guilty of sorcery and immorality, he orders the accused to be beheaded in 385, making them the first Christians to be executed by other Christians for heresy, in this case of Priscillianism, (though the civil charges were for the practice of magic).

Their property is confiscated.

Martin, deeply grieved, refuses to communicate with Ithacius and the bishops who condoned the slaughter of the Priscillian heretics, until pressured by the Emperor.