E04353: Latin poem on the martyrdom of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) composed by Prudentius, writing c. 400 in Calahorra (northern Spain). The poem, part of his Crowns of the Martyrs (Peristephanon), gives an account of the martyrdom of Cyprian and the *Martyrs of Massa Candida (S00904). Overview of Peristephanon XIII

Liber Peristephanon, Poem XIII

Summary:

Prudentius praises Cyprian as a martyr of Africa who belongs also to the whole world because of the fame of his writings. The poet recounts that Cyprian was a corrupt young man who even practised love magic. But he converted and became a pious Christian who through his virtues obtained an office of the bishop of Carthage. Then Valerian and Gallienus issued an edict to persecute Christians. Cyprian encouraged his congregation to remain faithful and promised that he would not avoid martyrdom himself. Afterwards he was arrested and thrown into gaol. In prison Cyprian prayed that God would allow him to become martyr; he also prayed for his people lest they fail to keep faith. Then Prudentius tells of the martyrdom of the martyrs of Massa Candida, which he interprets as an answer of God to the prayers of Cyprian. Later also Cyprian himself is martyred by sword and buried in the tomb raised for him. Finally, Prudentius praises Cyprian both as a martyr who is now in heaven, and a famous writer whose teachings are known everywhere in the world.

Text: Cunningham 1966, 382-385. Translation: Thomson 1953, 331-337. Summary: M. Szada.