Ariadne of Phrygia
Saint Ariadne of Phrygia was a 2nd-century Christian martyr and slave. She is chiefly remembered for her refusal to participate in pagan rituals, her condemnation to crucifixion, and her miraculous escape when the earth reportedly swallowed her to save her from Roman authorities.
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Phrygia
Key Facts
- ›Ariadne was a slave in Prymnessus to a man named Tertullus.
- ›Christianity was outlawed by an alleged edict of Hadrian and Antoninus.
- ›She refused to partake in pagan rituals on Tertullus's son's birthday.
- ›Her case came to the attention of the provincial governor Gordios.
- ›She was condemned to be crucified but escaped Roman authorities.
- ›She was saved from pursuers by being swallowed up by the earth.
About Ariadne of Phrygia
Saint Ariadne of Phrygia
Saint Ariadne of Phrygia was a 2nd-century Christian saint and martyr, known for her steadfast refusal to renounce her faith in the face of persecution. Her story, primarily documented in a later hagiographic text, highlights the challenges faced by early Christians.
Life and Historical Context
Ariadne lived as a slave in Prymnessus during a period when Christianity was allegedly outlawed by an edict from Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus. She faced punishment when she refused to participate in pagan rituals celebrating her master Tertullus's son's birthday. Her case came to the attention of the provincial governor, Gordios.
Condemnation and Miraculous Escape
Brought before a tribunal, Ariadne was condemned to be crucified, while her master Tertullus was acquitted. However, the people of Prymnessus intervened, granting her a three-day period for repentance. During this time, Ariadne managed to escape the Roman authorities. According to the hagiography, she fled into the nearby mountains and was saved from her pursuers when the earth swallowed her up.
Sources and Legacy
The only extant source detailing Ariadne's life is a short Greek hagiographic text dating from the fourth or fifth century, conserved on a ninth or tenth-century palimpsest in the Vatican. It is possible that this text is based on an older, now-lost hagiography, and parts may be fictitious. Some scholars suggest it might incorporate elements from an inscription mentioning a Tiberius Claudius Vibianus Tertullus. Despite the uncertain historical grounding of her narrative, Ariadne's story serves as a testament to early Christian devotion and martyrdom.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Ariadne of Phrygia?
Saint Ariadne of Phrygia was a 2nd-century Christian saint and martyr. She lived as a slave woman in Prymnessus.
Why was Ariadne condemned?
Ariadne was condemned because she refused to participate in pagan rituals on the birthday of her master Tertullus's son, an act that defied an alleged edict outlawing Christianity.
How did Ariadne escape execution?
After being condemned to be crucified, the people of Prymnessus intervened, granting her three days for repentance. During this time, she escaped the Roman authorities and fled into the mountains.
What miraculous event is associated with Ariadne's escape?
According to her hagiography, Ariadne was saved from her pursuers by being swallowed up by the earth, a miraculous event that protected her from capture.
What is the source of information about Ariadne's life?
The sole source detailing Ariadne's life is a brief Greek hagiographic text, which dates to the fourth or fifth century. This text is preserved on a ninth or tenth-century palimpsest found in the Vatican.
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