Martyrdom: A Co-Produced Concept? An Analysis of the Legends of the Sixty Martyrs of Gaza and Bishop Sophronius of Jerusalem

Abstract
Investigating the concept of martyrdom portrayed in Passiones Sexaginta Martyrum, the present paper explores the concept of co-production, developed by Katharina Heyden and David Nirenberg. It argues that early medieval Christian concepts of martyrdom did not arise in a Christian vacuum. Rather, they are products of Christians engaging with Greek and Roman philosophy, interacting with Roman pagans, and encountering early Muslims. This is shown using the example of the concept of martyrdom depicted in the passiones of the Martyrs of Gaza. They narrate the martyrdom of sixty Christian soldiers in seventh century Palestine during the first Islamic conquest, when Sophronius was patriarch of Jerusalem.
Date Issued
2023-07
Publication Type
Conference Item
Subject(s)
Subjects
- Martyrdom
- Hagiography
- Co-production
- First Islamic conquests
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Additional Credits
Title of Event
Access(Rights)
metadata.only
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