Category Archives: Martyrdom
ANGELA OF FOLIGNO
(1248-1309)
from The Book of Divine Consolation of the Blessed Angela of Foligno
Little is known about the life of the Italian mystic Angela de Foligno. Tradition reports that she was born to a wealthy family but lost her father while still young. She married at an early age and had several … Continue reading
Filed under Afterlife, Angela of Foligno, Christianity, Europe, Martyrdom, Middle Ages, Selections
AMBROSE
(337/340-397)
from Of Virgins: Letter to Marcellina
Born in the city of Trier (modern Germany), Ambrose of Milan became a noted theologian, biblical critic, and hymnist, later canonized as a saint and considered the father of liturgical music. He is also known as the spiritual teacher … Continue reading
Filed under Ambrose, Ancient History, Christianity, Europe, Martyrdom, Selections, Stoicism
EUSEBIUS
(c. 260-339)
from Ecclesiastical History
Eusebius, referred to as Eusebius of Caesarea, was the first and most prominent historian of early Christianity. He lived most of his life in Caesarea Maritima. He was also known as Eusebius Pamphili, taking the surname from his friend … Continue reading
Filed under Ancient History, Christianity, Eusebius, Martyrdom, Middle East, Selections
TERTULLIAN
(c. 160-c. 220)
from To the Martyrs
from The Crown of Martyrdom
Tertullian, born a Roman citizen at or near Carthage, was originally a pagan, the son of a Roman centurion. He was educated in rhetoric and law, the standard education of a well-to-do Roman, and converted to Christianity before the … Continue reading
Filed under Africa, Ancient History, Christianity, Europe, Martyrdom, Selections, Tertullian
CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA
(c. 150-c. 215)
from The Miscellanies (Stromata)
The Praises of Martyrdom
Those Who Offered Themselves for Martyrdom Reproved
Titus Flavius Clemens, or St. Clement of Alexandria, was a Greek theologian of the early Christian church, the second known leader of the Alexandrian school of theology. He was born to a pagan family, allegedly in Athens, although his … Continue reading
Filed under Africa, Ancient History, Christianity, Clement of Alexandria, Martyrdom, Selections, Sin
JOSEPHUS
(37-c. 100)
from The Jewish War
The Defeat at Jotapata
The Fall of Masada
Originally born Joseph ben Matthias in Jerusalem, Titus Flavius Josephus was a Jewish military commander and then historian. He was of priestly and royal descent, educated in both Hebrew and Greek literature. At age 16, he went into the … Continue reading
IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH
(c. 35/50-c. 107)
Epistle: To the Romans
Saint Ignatius of Antioch (also known as Ignatius Theophoros), one of the Apostolic Fathers believed to have been in contact with the Apostles or received instruction from their disciples, served as bishop of Antioch from the late 60s to … Continue reading
Filed under Ancient History, Christianity, Ignatius of Antioch, Martyrdom, Middle East, Selections
THE HEBREW BIBLE AND APOCRYPHA
(c. 12th-1st centuries B.C.)
Genesis: The Prohibition of Bloodshed
Exodus: The Ten Commandments
Judges: Samson and the Philistines
I Samuel-II Samuel: Saul and his Armor-Bearer
Job: The Sufferings of Job
Daniel: Shadrach, Meschach, Abednego and the Fiery Furnace
II Maccabees: The Suicide of Razis
The collection of texts originating among the Hebrews of the first millennium B.C., the Hebrew Bible, generally referred to as the Tanakh by Jews and as the Old Testament by Christians, is a compilation recognized as scriptural in both … Continue reading
Filed under Ancient History, Christianity, Hebrew Bible, Judaism, Martyrdom, Middle East, Selections