Martyropolis as an Example of Localization of Memories in Late Antique Christianity

Abstract

This article deals with the foundation of Martyropolis, an important city of late antiquity in the first half of the fifth century. We have limited knowledge about Martyropolis, built at a point where the borders of the two states intersected during a peaceful period of Roman-Sassanid relations. Although church historians of the fifth century reported on the relations between the two empires in this period, they were silent concerning the foundation of the aforementioned city. The diplomatic relations of the Roman emperors Arcadius and Theodosios II with the Sassanid king Yazdegerd I were mediated by Marutha, the bishop of Martyropolis. The Armenian Life of Marutha and the two Greek Lives of Marutha are the main, albeit somewhat biased, sources illuminating this period. It is unfortunately not possible to find a Sassanid source dealing with the foundation of Martyropolis, as is the case with many other topics. However, the Persian Martyr Acts, which help to make sense of Roman-Sassanid relations, require a meticulous reading. The sources written during the time of Islamic rule report important narrative details that seem repetitive of each other. This article evaluates the foundation of Martyropolis together with the cult of martyrs in Christianity through the aforementioned sources and concludes that both the Roman and Sassanid sides acted with imperial motives during this period.

Keywords

• Yazdegerd I
• Theodosios II
• Marutha
• Martyropolis
• relics

References

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