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E03219: The Martyrdom of *Marcellus and Apuleius (martyrs of Capua, S01400) is written in Latin, presumably in Capua, mostly as a compilation of earlier sources, notably the Acta Archelai and the African Martyrdom of Marcellus (EXXXX), by the mid 9th c. It narrates the trial and death of Marcellus, a rich and generous man, followed by his servant Apuleius.
online resource
posted on 2017-07-11, 00:00 authored by mpignotMartyrdom of Marcellus and Apuleius (BHL 5252b)
Summary:
§§ 1-4: Marcellus is a rich and most honourable Christian man. He helps everyone, notably giving alms to the poor, and is liked by all. Marcellus pays the ransom to free prisoners offered to the bishop Archelaus, he helps them and buries the dead. His great piety becomes known in the whole region.
§ 5: At the time of the emperor Tiberius, who was educated by Marcellus, there is a great persecution against Christians. Tiberius knows that Marcellus is Christian and wants to kill him. He sends Marcellus with Apuleius to Apulia and Calabria with a fake request, asking the governor of Campania Dracontius to compel him to sacrifice to the gods. When this is done Marcellus refuses.
§ 6: A feast is celebrated for the emperor. Marcellus who is one of the centuriones antesigitani [who take care of the emblems of the legion] throws away his belt and his weapon and declares that he is Christian. The governor Fortunatus sends him to jail; Marcellus prays on the way.
§§ 7-9: A few days later, Marcellus is interrogated and rejects the pagan gods and the emperor. He is further interrogated by Aurelianus Agricolanus, the deputy praefectus praetorio and again states that he is Christian. He is sentenced to death. After praying to God, he is beheaded.
§ 10: Apuleius, Marcellus’ servant who is also Christian, asks to share his death and is beheaded as well. They were martyred on the day of the Nones of October [= 7 October].
Text: Delehaye 1923, 282-287. Summary: M. Pignot
Summary:
§§ 1-4: Marcellus is a rich and most honourable Christian man. He helps everyone, notably giving alms to the poor, and is liked by all. Marcellus pays the ransom to free prisoners offered to the bishop Archelaus, he helps them and buries the dead. His great piety becomes known in the whole region.
§ 5: At the time of the emperor Tiberius, who was educated by Marcellus, there is a great persecution against Christians. Tiberius knows that Marcellus is Christian and wants to kill him. He sends Marcellus with Apuleius to Apulia and Calabria with a fake request, asking the governor of Campania Dracontius to compel him to sacrifice to the gods. When this is done Marcellus refuses.
§ 6: A feast is celebrated for the emperor. Marcellus who is one of the centuriones antesigitani [who take care of the emblems of the legion] throws away his belt and his weapon and declares that he is Christian. The governor Fortunatus sends him to jail; Marcellus prays on the way.
§§ 7-9: A few days later, Marcellus is interrogated and rejects the pagan gods and the emperor. He is further interrogated by Aurelianus Agricolanus, the deputy praefectus praetorio and again states that he is Christian. He is sentenced to death. After praying to God, he is beheaded.
§ 10: Apuleius, Marcellus’ servant who is also Christian, asks to share his death and is beheaded as well. They were martyred on the day of the Nones of October [= 7 October].
Text: Delehaye 1923, 282-287. Summary: M. Pignot
History
Evidence ID
E03219Saint Name
Marcellus and Apuleius, martyrs of Capua : S01400Saint Name in Source
Marcellus, ApuleiusRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Literary - Hagiographical - Accounts of martyrdomLanguage
- Latin
Evidence not before
400Evidence not after
900Activity not before
14Activity not after
900Place of Evidence - Region
Italy south of Rome and SicilyPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
CapuaPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Capua Adriatic Sea Adriatic Sea Adriaticum MareCult activities - Festivals
- Saint’s feast
