Martyrdom of Polycarp

c. 155–160 AD · Early Christian Writings (Non-Canonical)

About this text

The earliest surviving account of a Christian martyrdom outside the New Testament. Describes Polycarp's arrest, trial, and death by fire at age 86.

Significance

Foundational text for the theology and tradition of Christian martyrdom.

Key excerpts

Excerpts forthcoming. The full text is available in the public-domain library.

Continue exploring

This text is one of 19 in the Early Christian Writings (Non-Canonical) category, and one of 62 across the entire library.