A collection of the archive
The Martyrs of the Early Church
Every person in this archive whose record says they were killed for the faith — bishops and slaves, a girl of twelve and a bishop of ninety, gathered from the martyr-acts, the letters, and the calendars that kept their names.
Grouped by the persecution that killed them where the date allows it, and listed together at the end where it does not. The great persecutions were short and local more often than empire-wide: before Decius in 250 there was no general edict at all, and most of these deaths came from local magistrates acting on local pressure.
Confessors who suffered and lived are not here — the early church drew that line sharply, and so does this archive. Neither are figures whose martyrdom rests only on a late legend with no early source.
Who were the martyrs of the early church?
Martyrs under Marcus Aurelius, AD 161–180
Justin at Rome, the slave Blandina and the ninety-year-old bishop Pothinus at Lyon, and the twelve of Scillium — the deaths under the philosopher-emperor. The full list →
- 1 Charito d. c. 165 Martyr · Companion of Justin
- 2 Chariton d. c. 165 Martyr · Companion of Justin
- 3 Euelpistus d. c. 165 Martyr · Imperial slave · Companion of Justin
- 4 Hierax d. c. 165 Martyr · Companion of Justin
- 5 Justin Martyr c. 100 – 165 Philosopher · Apologist · Martyr
- 6 Liberian d. c. 165 Martyr · Companion of Justin
- 7 Paeon d. c. 165 Martyr · Companion of Justin
- 8 Thraseas of Eumenia d. c. AD 165 (martyr, buried at Smyrna) Bishop of Eumenia · Martyr
- 9 Sagaris of Laodicea d. c. AD 166 (martyr) Bishop of Laodicea · Martyr
- 10 Alexander of Lyon d. 177 Phrygian physician · Martyr of Lyon
- 11 Attalus of Pergamum d. 177 Roman citizen · Martyr of Lyon
- 12 Biblis of Lyon d. 177 Confessor who recovered her faith · Martyr
- 13 Blandina of Lyon c. 162 – 177 Slave · Martyr of the church of Lyon
- 14 Maturus of Lyon d. 177 Recent convert · Martyr
- 15 Ponticus of Lyon c. 162 – 177 Boy martyr of Lyon
- 16 Pothinus of Lyon c. 87 – 177 First bishop of Lyon · Martyr at ninety
- 17 Sanctus of Vienne d. 177 Deacon of Vienne · Martyr
- 18 Vettius Epagathus d. 177 Advocate of the accused · Martyr of Lyon
- 19 Aquilinus of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 20 Cittinus of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 21 Donata of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 22 Evarestus of Smyrna attested AD 155–160 Scribe of the Martyrdom of Polycarp
- 23 Felix of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 24 Generosa of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 25 Januaria of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 26 Laetantius of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 27 Marcianus of Smyrna attested AD 155–160 Courier-editor of the Martyrdom of Polycarp
- 28 Nartzalus of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 29 Secunda of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 30 Speratus of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Spokesman of the Scillitan martyrs
- 31 Vestia of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
- 32 Veturius of Scillium d. 17 July 180 Scillitan martyr
Martyrs of the Decian Persecution, AD 249–251
The first persecution that reached everyone: an edict requiring every inhabitant of the empire to sacrifice and obtain a certificate proving it. The full list →
- 1 Apollonia of Alexandria d. 249 Aged deaconess · Martyr of Alexandria
- 2 Metras of Alexandria d. 249 Elderly martyr of Alexandria
- 3 Quinta of Alexandria d. 249 Martyr of Alexandria
- 4 Serapion of Alexandria d. 249 Martyr of Alexandria
- 5 Alexander the Martyr of Alexandria d. AD 250 (burned) Confessor in long imprisonment · Martyr
- 6 Ammon the Soldier d. AD 250 (martyr) Soldier of the tribunal guard · Martyr
- 7 Ammonarium d. AD 250 (killed by the sword) Holy virgin · Martyr
- 8 Ater d. AD 250 (burned) Egyptian layman · Martyr
- 9 Besas d. AD 250 (beheaded) Soldier of the guard · Martyr
- 10 Cronion Eunus d. AD 250 (burned) Bearer of Julian · Martyr
- 11 Denis of Paris d. c. AD 250 (martyr) First bishop of Paris · Martyr
- 12 Dionysia of Alexandria d. AD 250 (killed by the sword) Mother of many children · Martyr
- 13 Epimachus of Alexandria d. AD 250 (burned) Confessor in long imprisonment · Martyr
- 14 Fabian of Rome d. 20 January 250 Bishop of Rome · Martyr of the Decian persecution
- 15 Heron the Martyr of Alexandria d. AD 250 (burned) Egyptian layman · Martyr
- 16 Ingenes the Soldier d. AD 250 (martyr) Soldier of the tribunal guard · Martyr
- 17 Ischyrion of Alexandria d. AD 250 (impaled) Steward · Martyr of the Decian persecution
- 18 Isidorus of Alexandria d. AD 250 (burned) Egyptian layman · Martyr
- 19 Julian the Confessor d. AD 250 (burned) Gout-stricken layman · Martyr
- 20 Macar the Libyan d. AD 250 (burned alive) Libyan layman · Martyr
- 21 Mercuria d. AD 250 (killed by the sword) Aged woman · Martyr
- 22 Nemesion d. AD 250 (burned) Egyptian layman · Martyr of the double charge
- 23 Pionius of Smyrna d. c. 250 Presbyter of Smyrna · Martyr of the Decian persecution
- 24 Ptolemy the Soldier d. AD 250 (martyr) Soldier of the tribunal guard · Martyr
- 25 Theophilus the Veteran d. AD 250 (martyr) Aged soldier of the tribunal guard · Martyr
- 26 Zeno the Soldier d. AD 250 (martyr) Soldier of the tribunal guard · Martyr
- 27 Alexander of Jerusalem d. c. 251 AD (in prison at Caesarea, Decian persecution) Bishop of Jerusalem · Founder of the Jerusalem library · Martyr
- 28 Saint Agatha d. c. AD 251 (martyr) Sicilian virgin-martyr
Martyrs of the Great Persecution, AD 303–313
The last and longest imperial assault on the church: ten years, four edicts, and the deaths that finally exhausted the policy. The full list →
- 1 Alphaeus of Caesarea d. AD 303 (martyr) Reader and exorcist · Martyr of Caesarea
- 2 Anthimus of Nicomedia d. AD 303 (beheaded) Bishop of Nicomedia · Martyr of the first edicts
- 3 Cassian of Imola d. c. AD 303 (martyr) Schoolmaster · Martyr
- 4 Dorotheus the Chamberlain d. AD 303 (executed) Imperial chamberlain · Martyr of Nicomedia
- 5 Engratia of Saragossa d. c. AD 303 (martyr) Virgin-martyr of Saragossa
- 6 Faustus the Deacon fl. AD 250–257; d. c. AD 303 (martyr, in old age) Deacon of Alexandria · Martyr
- 7 Felix of Thibiuca d. AD 303 (martyr) Bishop · Martyr of the Scriptures
- 8 Gorgonius of Nicomedia d. AD 303 (strangled) Imperial chamberlain · Martyr of Nicomedia
- 9 Phocas of Sinope d. c. AD 303 (martyr) Gardener-martyr · Patron of sailors
- 10 Procopius of Scythopolis d. 7 June AD 303 (beheaded) Reader & exorcist of Scythopolis · First martyr of Palestine
- 11 Zacchaeus of Caesarea d. AD 303 (martyr) Deacon of Gadara · Martyr of Caesarea
- 12 Adauctus the Finance Minister d. c. AD 303–305 (martyr) Imperial finance official (magister rei privatae) · Martyr
- 13 Agnes of Rome d. c. 304 Virgin · Martyr of Rome
- 14 Anastasia of Sirmium d. c. AD 304 (martyr) Martyr · Ancient Roman titulus
- 15 Crispina of Thagara d. 5 December 304 Noblewoman · Martyr of Africa
- 16 Eulalia of Mérida d. AD 304 (martyr) Girl-martyr of Lusitania
- 17 Euphemia of Chalcedon d. c. AD 304 (martyr) Virgin-martyr of Chalcedon
- 18 Irenaeus of Sirmium d. AD 304 (martyr) Bishop of Sirmium · Martyr
- 19 Lucy of Syracuse d. c. 304 Virgin · Martyr of Sicily
- 20 Marcellinus the Presbyter d. c. AD 304 (beheaded) Priest of Rome · Martyr of the Via Labicana
- 21 Peter the Exorcist d. c. AD 304 (beheaded) Exorcist of Rome · Martyr of the Via Labicana
- 22 Romanus of Caesarea d. AD 303–304 (martyr at Antioch) Deacon and exorcist · Martyr
- 23 Timothy of Gaza d. AD 304 (burned at Gaza) Martyr of Gaza
- 24 Victorinus of Pettau d. c. 304 Bishop of Pettau · First Latin exegete · Martyr
- 25 Vincent of Saragossa d. c. 304 Deacon of Saragossa · Martyr
- 26 Alban of Verulamium d. early 4th c. (trad.) Protomartyr of Britain
- 27 Eutychius the Martyr d. early fourth century (martyr) Martyr of Rome
- 28 Faustinus of the Generosa epigram d. early fourth century (martyr) Martyr of Rome
- 29 Viatrix d. early fourth century (martyr) Martyr of Rome
- 30 Aedesius the Martyr d. c. AD 306 (drowned at Alexandria) Confessor and philosopher · Martyr of Alexandria
- 31 Agapius of Caesarea d. AD 306 (thrown to the beasts) Martyr of the Caesarean amphitheatre
- 32 Apphianus of Lycia d. AD 306 (drowned at Caesarea) Young confessor · Martyr of Caesarea
- 33 Phileas of Thmuis d. c. 306 Bishop of Thmuis · Martyr
- 34 Theodore of Amasea (Tiro) d. c. AD 306 (martyr) Soldier-martyr
- 35 Theodosia of Tyre d. AD 307–308 (martyr at Caesarea) Virgin martyr of Caesarea
- 36 Quirinus of Siscia d. c. AD 309 (martyr) Bishop of Siscia · Martyr
- 37 Valens of Aelia d. AD 309 (martyred with Pamphilus) Deacon of Aelia (Jerusalem) · Martyr
- 38 Nilus of Egypt d. c. AD 310 (burned at Phaeno) Egyptian bishop · Martyr of the mines
- 39 Pamphilus of Caesarea d. 16 February 310 Presbyter of Caesarea · Scholar · Martyr
- 40 Peleus of Egypt d. c. AD 310 (burned at Phaeno) Egyptian bishop · Martyr of the mines
- 41 Peter Apselamus d. AD 310 (burned at Caesarea) Ascetic of Anea · Martyr
- 42 Methodius of Olympus d. c. 311 Bishop · Theologian · Critic of Origen · Martyr
- 43 Peter of Alexandria d. 25 November 311 Bishop of Alexandria · Martyr
- 44 Silvanus of Gaza d. AD 311 (beheaded at Phaeno) Bishop of Gaza · Martyr of the mines
- 45 Lucian of Antioch d. 7 January 312 Presbyter of Antioch · Biblical scholar · Martyr
Martyrs of other or uncertain dates
117 more, whose deaths fall outside those three persecutions or cannot be dated to a year.
- 1 John the Baptist d. c. AD 28–36 (beheaded at Machaerus) Forerunner · Baptizer in the Jordan · Martyr
- 2 Stephen the Protomartyr c. 5 – c. 34 Deacon of Jerusalem · First Martyr
- 3 James, son of Zebedee d. AD 44 Apostle of the Twelve · First apostolic martyr
- 4 Nazarius of Milan martyr of Milan; date uncertain (trad. 1st c.), relics found by Ambrose c. AD 395 Martyr · Relics discovered by Ambrose
- 5 Thecla of Iconium fl. c. AD 45–90 (trad.); her Acts c. 160 Virgin · Protomartyr among women (by tradition)
- 6 Antipas of Pergamum d. c. 92 (trad., under Domitian) “My faithful martyr” of Pergamum
- 7 Symeon, son of Clopas d. c. 107 (crucified under Trajan) Bishop of Jerusalem · Cousin of the Lord · Martyr at 120 years
- 8 Ignatius of Antioch c. 35 – c. 108 Bishop of Antioch · Martyr
- 9 Publius of Athens d. c. AD 125 (martyr) Bishop of Athens · Martyr
- 10 Telesphorus of Rome d. c. 136 Bishop of Rome · Martyr
- 11 Lucius of Rome d. c. AD 152 (beheaded) Bystander who protested · Martyr
- 12 Ptolemaeus of Rome d. c. AD 152 (beheaded) Teacher · Martyr under the prefect Urbicus
- 13 Germanicus of Smyrna d. c. 155 Martyr of Smyrna
- 14 Polycarp of Smyrna 69 – 155 Bishop of Smyrna · Martyr
- 15 Apollonius the Martyr d. c. AD 185 (beheaded under Commodus) Roman senator · Apologist before the Senate · Martyr
- 16 Basilides the Soldier d. c. 202 Soldier convert · Martyr of Alexandria
- 17 Heraclides of Alexandria d. c. AD 202 (beheaded) Catechumen of Origen · Martyr
- 18 Herais of Alexandria d. c. AD 202 (burned) Catechumen · Martyr — 'baptized by fire'
- 19 Hero of Alexandria d. c. AD 202 (beheaded) Neophyte of Origen's school · Martyr
- 20 Leonides of Alexandria d. 202 Father of Origen · Martyr
- 21 Marcella of Alexandria d. c. AD 202 (martyr) Mother of Potamiaena · Martyr
- 22 Plutarch of Alexandria d. c. AD 202 (martyr) First of Origen's pupil-martyrs
- 23 Potamiaena of Alexandria d. c. 202 Virgin · Martyr of the Severan persecution
- 24 Serenus II of Alexandria d. c. AD 202 (beheaded) Pupil of Origen · Martyr
- 25 Serenus of Alexandria d. c. AD 202 (burned) Pupil of Origen · Martyr by fire
- 26 Felicity (Felicitas) d. 7 March 203 Slave · Martyr of Carthage
- 27 Pomponius the Deacon attested AD 203 (death unrecorded) Deacon of Carthage · Minister to the martyrs
- 28 Revocatus d. 7 March 203 Slave · Catechumen · Martyr of Carthage
- 29 Saturninus of Carthage d. 7 March 203 Catechumen · Martyr of Carthage
- 30 Saturus d. 7 March 203 Catechist · Voluntary confessor · Martyr of Carthage
- 31 Secundulus d. 203 (in prison) Catechumen · Martyr of Carthage
- 32 Tertius the Deacon attested AD 203 (death unrecorded) Deacon of Carthage · Minister to the martyrs
- 33 Vibia Perpetua c. 182 – 203 Noblewoman · Diarist · Martyr of Carthage
- 34 Pudens the Warder fl. 203 (converted at the martyrdom) Prison officer converted by the martyrs
- 35 Valerian of Rome d. c. AD 229 (martyr) Husband of Cecilia · Martyr
- 36 Saint Cecilia d. c. AD 230 (martyr) Roman virgin-martyr · Patron of music
- 37 Hippolytus of Rome c. 170 – 235 Presbyter · Liturgist · Martyr
- 38 Pontian of Rome d. c. 235 Bishop of Rome · Martyr in the Sardinian mines
- 39 Babylas of Antioch d. 253 Bishop of Antioch · Martyr of the Decian persecution
- 40 Cornelius of Rome d. c. 253 Bishop of Rome · Martyr
- 41 Tarcisius the Acolyte d. c. AD 255–257 (traditional) Acolyte of Rome · Martyr of the Eucharist
- 42 Tarsicius d. mid-third century (martyr) Acolyte · Martyr
- 43 Saturninus of Toulouse d. c. AD 257 (martyr) First bishop of Toulouse · Martyr
- 44 Agapitus the Deacon d. 6 August AD 258 (martyr) Deacon of Rome · Martyr
- 45 Cyprian of Carthage c. 210 – 258 Bishop of Carthage · Martyr
- 46 Felicissimus the Deacon d. 6 August AD 258 (martyr) Deacon of Rome · Martyr
- 47 Lawrence (Laurentius) of Rome d. 10 August 258 Archdeacon of Rome · Martyr
- 48 Xystus II (Sixtus II) of Rome d. 6 August 258 Bishop of Rome · Martyr of the Valerian persecution
- 49 Augurius of Tarragona d. 21 January 259 Deacon · Martyr with Fructuosus
- 50 Eulogius of Tarragona d. 21 January 259 Deacon · Martyr with Fructuosus
- 51 Fructuosus of Tarragona d. 21 January 259 Bishop of Tarragona · Martyr
- 52 Marinus of Caesarea d. c. 262 Roman soldier · Martyr of Caesarea
- 53 Saint Maurice & the Theban Legion d. c. AD 287 (martyrs) Commander of the Theban Legion · Martyrs
- 54 Saint Sebastian d. c. AD 288 (martyr) Praetorian officer · Martyr
- 55 Candida the Roman d. late 3rd century (martyr under Bahram II) Roman captive · Wife of the king · Martyr
- 56 Maximilian of Tebessa d. AD 295 (martyr) Conscientious objector · Martyr
- 57 Cassian of Tangier d. AD 298 (martyr) Court stenographer · Martyr
- 58 Emeterius & Celedonius of Calahorra d. c. AD 298 (martyrs) Soldier-brothers · Martyrs
- 59 Marcellus of Tangier d. AD 298 (martyr) Centurion · Martyr
- 60 Achilleus of Domitilla d. late third or early fourth century (martyr) Martyr of Rome
- 61 Nereus of Domitilla d. late third or early fourth century (martyr) Martyr of Rome
- 62 Gayanē d. c. AD 300/301 (martyr) Abbess of the virgin company · Martyr
- 63 Hripsimē d. c. AD 300/301 (martyr) Consecrated virgin · Martyr
- 64 Gordius of Caesarea d. c. AD 320 (martyr) Centurion · Martyr
- 65 The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste d. c. AD 320 (martyrs) Legionaries · Martyrs of the frozen lake
- 66 Grigoris of the Albanians d. c. AD 330 (martyr) Bishop of the Caucasian Albanians · Martyr
- 67 Abedehalaas d. c. AD 341 (martyr) Presbyter of Seleucia-Ctesiphon · Martyr
- 68 Anninas d. c. AD 341 (martyr) Presbyter of Seleucia-Ctesiphon · Martyr
- 69 Martha, daughter of Pusai d. c. AD 341 (martyr) Consecrated virgin · Martyr
- 70 Miles of Susa bishop before AD 315; martyred c. 340/341 Bishop of Susa · Martyr
- 71 Pusai d. c. AD 341 (martyr) Chief artisan of the royal household · Martyr
- 72 Simeon bar Sabbae d. c. AD 341 (martyr under Shapur II) Catholicos of Seleucia-Ctesiphon · Martyr
- 73 Usthazades d. AD 341 (martyr) Royal eunuch and tutor · Martyr
- 74 Azad d. c. AD 342 (martyr) Palatine eunuch · Favourite of Shapur II · Martyr
- 75 Tarbo d. c. AD 342 (martyr) Consecrated virgin · Sister of Simeon bar Sabbae · Martyr
- 76 Shahdost bishop AD 341–343; martyred c. 342/343 Bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon · Martyr
- 77 Barbaʿshmin bishop AD 343/344–346; martyred 14 January 346 Bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon · Martyr
- 78 Husik I of Armenia d. c. AD 348 (beaten to death) Catholicos of Armenia · Martyr
- 79 Paul of Constantinople d. c. AD 351 (strangled at Cucusus) Nicene bishop of Constantinople · Martyr of the Arian ascendancy
- 80 Petronilla venerated as a martyr at Rome by AD 356 Martyr venerated at Rome
- 81 Artemius of Antioch d. AD 362 (martyr) Dux of Egypt · Great-Martyr
- 82 Dausas d. c. AD 362 (martyr) Bishop · Captive of Zabdaion · Martyr
- 83 Eupsychius of Caesarea d. AD 362 (martyr) Nobleman · Martyr under Julian
- 84 Mareabes d. c. AD 362 (martyr) Chorepiscopus · Martyr
- 85 Juventinus the Guardsman d. AD 363 (executed under Julian) Officer of the household guard · Martyr
- 86 Maximinus the Guardsman d. AD 363 (executed under Julian) Officer of the household guard · Martyr
- 87 Sabbas the Goth d. AD 372 (martyr) Gothic layman · Martyr
- 88 Abdas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 89 Abdelas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 90 Abdiesous d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 91 Abdiesus the Deacon d. c. AD 376 (martyr) Deacon · Martyr
- 92 Abramios d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 93 Acepsimas d. c. AD 376 (martyr) Bishop · Martyr
- 94 Agas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 95 Aithalas d. c. AD 376 (martyr) Priest · Martyr
- 96 Azadan d. c. AD 376 (martyr) Deacon · Martyr
- 97 Bademus d. 10 April AD 376 (martyr) Abbot of Bethlapeta · Martyr
- 98 Bicor d. c. AD 376 (martyr) Bishop · Martyr
- 99 Bochres d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 100 Boulidas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 101 Gaddiabes d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 102 Hormisdas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 103 Iakobos d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 104 Ioannes (first of the name in Persia) d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 105 Ioannes (second of the name in Persia) d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 106 Isaak d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 107 James the Presbyter d. c. AD 376 (martyr) Presbyter · Martyr
- 108 Joseph the Priest d. c. AD 376 (martyr) Priest · Martyr
- 109 Maares d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 110 Mareas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 111 Mokimos d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 112 Papas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 113 Paulos d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 114 Romas d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 115 Sabinos d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 116 Sabores d. during the persecution of Shapur II (339–379) Bishop · Martyr
- 117 The Hieronymian compilers original compilation c. AD 431–450, northern Italy; surviving text from a Gallican recension of c. 592 (held at the timeline’s ceiling) Anonymous compilers of the Martyrologium Hieronymianum
Every name links to its profile: the dates, the office, and every primary source that carries the name. 170 of these 222 have no Wikipedia article — for them this archive may be the fullest sourced record online.
Other collections
- Bishops beyond the great sees (282)
- Non-Christian witnesses (157)
- Women (103)
- Heretics & schismatics (75)
- Roman emperors (64)
- Desert fathers & mothers (46)
- The Great Persecution (45)
- Under Marcus Aurelius (32)
- The Decian persecution (28)
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