Persecution, Past and Present: Memorialising Martyrdom in Late Antique and Early Medieval Córdoba
Jamie Wood
The Christian martyr movement of 850s Córdoba has received considerable scholarly attention over the decades, yet often been seen as anomalous. martyrs’ apologists were responsible for a huge spike in evidence, but analysis their work shown that they likely represented minority “rigorist” position within community and reacted against increasing accommodation many Mozarabic Christians to realities Muslim rule. This article seeks place apologists, therefore martyrs, longer-term perspective by demonstrating memories cultivated city surrounding region throughout late antiquity, from at least fourth century. Cordoban made active use this tradition presentation events mid-ninth closes suggesting drew strength churches dedicated earlier martyrs century used reinforce communal bonds beyond following years. Memories memorials martyrdom thus powerful means forging connections across time space early medieval Iberia.
Al-Masaq: Journal of the Medieval Mediterranean|Lincoln Repository (University of Lincoln)