Martyrdom and Noble Death

by Friedrich Avemarie, Jan Willem van Henten

This volume explores the fascinating phenomenon of noble death through pagan, Jewish and Christian sources. Today's society is uncomfortable with death, and willingly submitting to a violent and ostentatious death in public is seen as particularly shocking and unusual. Yet classical sources give a different view, with public self-sacrifice often being applauded. The Romans admired a heroic end in the battlefield or the arena, suicide in the tradition of Socrates was something laudable, and Christians and Jews alike faithfully commemorated their heroes who died during religious persecutions. The cross-cultural approach and wide chronological range of this study make it valuable for students and scholars of ancient history, religion and literature.

218 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2002

Reviews

[Laura Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the subject and a great way to get a quick handle on the primary sources. Would have liked to see more commentary and annotations, though.