Tricia
Governor
Naked is always better for just about everything.
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Public Executions In The Arena
Naked is always better for just about everything.
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
FEMALE ROBBER CRUCIFIED IN THE ARENA
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
ST. FEBRONIA TORTURED TO DEATH IN THE ARENA
“Virgin Martyr Febronia suffered during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the third century. She was raised at a monastery in Sivapolis (Assyria). Emperor Diocletian sent a detachment of soldiers to Assyria under the command of Lysimachus, Selenos and Primus with orders to destroy the Christian community. Selenos, the uncle of Lysimachus, was noted for his fierce attitude against Christians, but Lysimachus was of a different frame of mind, as his mother had sought to inspire love for the Christian faith in her son, and she had died a Christian. Lysimachus had discussed with Primus how it would be possible to deliver Christians from the hands of their torturers. When the detachment of soldiers approached the convent, the inhabitants hid. Only Abbess Bryaena, her helper Thomais and St. Febronia remained. Abbess Bryaena was terribly afraid that her niece, St. Febronia, might fall into the hands of the torturers, who would defile her. She prayed fervently that the Lord would preserve her and strengthen her in the confession of Christ the Savior. Selenos gave orders that all the nuns of the convent be brought before him. Primus, along with the detachment of soldiers, found no one, except the two old women and St. Febronia. He regretted that they had not hidden themselves, and he suggested to the nuns that they flee. But the nuns decided not to leave the convent and entrusted themselves to the will of the Lord. Primus told Lysimachus of the particular beauty of St. Febronia and told Lysimachus to take her for himself. Lysimachus said that he would not seduce a virgin dedicated to God, and he asked Primus to hide the other nuns so that they would not fall into the hands of Selenos. One of the other soldiers related this conversation to Selenos. Thereafter, St. Febronia was led before the military commander with her hands bound and a chain around her neck. Selenos ordered her to deny Christ, promising her honors, rewards, and marriage to Lysimachus. The holy virgin firmly and fearlessly answered that she had an Immortal Bridegroom, and she would not exchange Him for any mortal man. Selenos subjected her to fierce tortures. Throughout her agony, the saint prayed, “My Savior, do not abandon me in this terrible hour!” St. Febronia was beaten and scourged, and blood flowed from her wounds. In order to intensify her suffering, she was tied to a cross and a fire was set under it. The tortures were so inhuman that the people began to demand an end to her sufferings, since St. Febronia refused to confess her guilt. Selenos continued to mock and jeer at her, but St. Febronia was silent. Because of the weakness brought on by the beatings, she was unable to utter a word. In a rage, Selenos gave orders to tear out her tongue, smash her teeth, and finally, to cut off both hands and feet. The people were unable to bear witness to such a horrid spectacle and left the scene of the torture, cursing Diocletian and his gods.”
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
REBEL SLAVE SCOURGED TO DEATH.
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
SAINT JULITA OF IKONIUM CRUCIFIED AND TORTURED TO DEATH
“Julita lived in the city of Iconium in the province of Lykaoneia in Asia Minor. St. Julita was descended from an illustrious family and was a Christian. Widowed early on, she raised her three-year old-son Cyricus. During the emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, St Julita departed the city with her son and two trustworthy servants, leaving behind her home, property, and servants. Concealing her noble rank, she hid out first at Seleucia, and then at Tarsus. There around the year 305 she was recognized, arrested and brought to trial before the governor, Alexander. Strengthened by the Lord, she fearlessly answered the judge’s questions, and firmly confessed her faith in Christ. The governor gave orders to beat the saint with rods. During her torments St Julita kept repeating, “I am a Christian, and will not offer sacrifice to demons.” The little boy Cyricus cried, seeing his mother being tortured, and wanted to go to her. The governor Alexander tried to sit him on his lap, but the boy broke free and shouted, “Let me go to my mother, I am a Christian.” The governor threw the boy down from the high tribunal and kicked him down the stone steps. The boy struck his head on the sharp edges and died. St Julita, seeing her lacerated son, gave thanks to God that He had permitted her child to be perfected before her, and to receive the unfading crown of martyrdom. Julita was nailde to a cross and. after many cruel tortures, she was beheaded with a sword.”
View attachment 423023
this portrays the struggle of the crucified martyr being tortured with the hooks so vividly,
her strained, twisted body, and the yelling crowd, make a very dramatic image
this portrays the struggle of the crucified martyr being tortured with the hooks so vividly,
her strained, twisted body, and the yelling crowd, make a very dramatic image
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
SAINT BIBIANA OF ROME SCOURGED TO DEATH AS A CHRISTIAN
“In the year 363, Emperor Julian made Apronianus Governor of Rome. Bibiana was the daughter of Christians, Flavian, a Roman knight, and Dafrosa, his wife. Flavian was tortured and sent into exile, where he died of his wounds. Dafrosa was beheaded, and their two daughters, Bibiana and Demetria, were stripped of their possessions and left to suffer poverty. However, they remained in their house, spending their time in fasting and prayer. Apronianus, seeing that hunger and want had no effect upon them, summoned them. Demetria, after confessing her faith, fell dead at the feet of the tyrant. Bibiana was reserved for greater sufferings. She was placed in the hands of a wicked woman called Rufina, who in vain endeavored to seduce her. She used blows as well as persuasion, but the Christian virgin remained faithful. Enraged at the constancy of this saintly virgin, Apronianus ordered her to be tied to a pillar and beaten with scourges until she expired. The saint endured the torments with joy, and died under the blows inflicted by the hands of the executioner. Her body was then put in the open air to be torn apart by wild animals, yet none would touch it. After two days she was buried.”
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
SAINT BLANDINA OF LYONS EXPOSED TO WILD BEASTS IN THE ARENA
“The bloodthirsty mob in the amphitheater had never seen such courage. People were astonished at the slave girl's victorious cry even in the midst of her pain and suffering: "I am a Christian and there is nothing vile done by us." Even though the crowd detested these Christians, they had to admit that never had a woman endured so many and so terrible tortures. It was the year 177 in Lyons, Gaul (modern France). Christianity had first come to Lyons over 25 years earlier when Polycarp of Smyrna (in modern Turkey) had sent Pothinus as a missionary to Gaul. Pothinus had diligently established the church of Christ in Lyons and nearby Viennes. As the church grew, spiritual resistance began to mount, and persecution against the Christians began. Christians were shut out of businesses and houses. They endured all kinds of shame and personal injuries. Mobs formed to beat, stone and rob the Christians. When believers were arrested and examined by the city authorities, they boldly confessed their allegiance to Christ. They were imprisoned to await the arrival of the governor to the region. Some of the non-believing servants of the Christians were also seized. These servants feared being tortured and devised all sorts of false accusations against the Christians, such as that they practiced cannibalism, incest, and other shameful practices. Such accusations only enraged the mob even more.
August 1 was a holiday to celebrate the greatness of Rome and the emperor; the governor was expected to show his patriotism by sponsoring entertainment for the whole city. It was expensive to hire gladiators, boxers and wrestlers. It would be a lot cheaper to torture these Christians as part of the holiday entertainment! The Christians were confined in the darkest and most awful part of the prison; many of them suffocated there. Some were placed in stocks; others were placed in a hot-iron seat where their flesh was burned. This was literally a human barbecue where the victim was chained onto a grate over burning coals. An example of this barbaric torture instrument can still be seen today at the archeological museum at Lyons.It seemed impossible that any could live, having been tortured so cruelly, yet they were strengthened by the Lord, and they exhorted and encouraged each other in the faith. Pothinus, the 92-year-old bishop of Lyons, died in his prison cell two days after his torture at the judgment seat. That cell too can still be visited today in Lyon. It is about the size of a home electric dishwasher, so cramped he could not have even stood up straight. Sanctus, a deacon from Vienne stood firm in his faith, even after red hot plates were fastened to the most tender parts of his body and he was one complete wound and bruise. He was "an example for the others, showing that nothing is fearful where the love of the Father is, and nothing is painful where there is the glory of Christ."
After enduring torture, some of the Christians were taken to the amphitheater where wild beasts would devour them to "entertain" the crowd. Among the group was the slave girl Blandina, who had already endured every imaginable torture and cruelty. Blandina was tied to a stake and exposed to the wild beasts. Because she appeared to be hanging on a cross and because of her intense prayers, she inspired the other Christians. When they looked at her they were reminded of Christ who was crucified for them and that everyone who suffered for the glory of Christ would enjoy eternal fellowship with the living God. None of the beasts touched Blandina at the time, and she was taken down from the stake and cast into prison. The Christians believed God had preserved her for other contests so her victory over the evil spiritual forces might be the greater. On the last day of the contests in the amphitheater, Blandina was again brought in with Ponticus, a boy of about 15. Every day they had been brought to witness the sufferings of othe
rs and pressed to deny their faith and swear by idols. Ponticus died first, and Blandina remained the last. She had encouraged many others and saw them go on before her to Jesus. Now she was ready to hasten after them. She faced her death rejoicing-as if being called to a marriage feast rather than wild beasts. The report stated: After the scourging, after the wild beasts, after the roasting seat, she was finally enclosed in a net, and thrown before a bull. And having been tossed about by the animal, but feeling none of the things which were happening to her, on account of her hope and firm hold upon what had been entrusted to her, and her communion with Christ, she also was sacrificed.
After the bodies of the witnesses were exposed for six days, they were burned to ashes and thrown into the Rhone river. The bodies of those who had suffocated in prison were thrown to the dogs, and guards were stationed to prevent the remaining Christians from burying them. The pagans hoped to prevent even the hope of resurrection for the Christians.”
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
SAINT DOROTHEA OF CAESAREA TORTURED WITH FIRE
“Dorothea fell victim to the persecution of Diocletianus in 311 in her hometown, Caesarea in Cappadocia, when she refused to sacrifice to the Emperor. She was, consequently, publicly tortured and sentenced to death. What exactly was done to her is not quite clear; some reports mention whipping and breast torture, others torches and boiling water. She died after umbearable sufferings and her corpse was given to dogs.”
Hi Michele,
these are marvelous manips, and I love the way you place them in the context of a story and lots of historical illustrations. You are finding pics I haven't seen before. These are female crux images going back centuries.
I wanted to say well done, your work is appreciated!
these are marvelous manips, and I love the way you place them in the context of a story and lots of historical illustrations. You are finding pics I haven't seen before. These are female crux images going back centuries.
I wanted to say well done, your work is appreciated!
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
I'm really proud of your liking my pictures, Phlebas!
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
SAINT EULALIA OF MERIDA TORTURED TO DEATH
“Eulalia of Mérida was a young Roman Christian martyred in Emerita, the capital of Lusitania (modern Mérida in Spain), conventionally during the persecution under Diocletian and Maximian. Other views place her death at the time of Trajan Decius (AD 249-51). Eulalia was a devout Christian virgin, aged 12–16, whose mother sequestered her in the countryside in AD 304 because all citizens were required to avow faith in the Roman gods. Eulalia ran away to the law court of the governor Dacian at Emerita, professed herself a Christian, insulted the pagan gods and emperor Maximian, and challenged the authorities to martyr her. The judge's attempts at flattery and bribery failed. She was then stripped by the soldiers, tied to a X-cross, tortured with hooks and torches, and finally suffocated from smoke inhalation. She taunted her torturers all the while, and as she expired a dove flew out of her mouth. This frightened away the soldiers and allowed a miraculous snow to cover her nakedness, its whiteness indicating her sainthood. For this reason she is regarded among Catholic school children and teachers alike as the patron saint of snow.”
You're welcome. They are very effective. A lot of the girls are familiar but you use them well, and you're brave enough to mix photo and 3d, with the speckle style hiding the "joins".
Ah yes, Eulalia, the classic female crux. Such a collection of old depictions, some of them are quite graphic, and some quite sensual. We see into the mind of those artists.
Here's a modern depiction of St Eulalia
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
SAINT MARGARET OF ANTHIOCHIA WHIPPED AND TORTURED TO DEATH
“Saint Margaret was born in the third century at Antioch of Pisidia in southern Asia Minor. Her mother died while she was an infant, and she was instructed in the Christian faith by a virtuous nurse. When her father, a pagan priest named Aedesius, learned she was a Christian, he drove her out of the house. She became a shepherdess to earn her living. When a Roman prefect arrived in the region to persecute the Christians, Margaret was imprisoned. The prefect, fascinated by her beauty, desired to save her life and add her to the already considerable number of his wives and concubines. He decided to attempt to overcome her resistance by questioning her before an assembly consisting of virtually the entire city. Her reply to his ultimatum, offering her a choice between joy and torments, was recorded and became renowned. She said: The true life and true joy, thanks be to God, I have already found, and have placed them in the stronghold of my heart that they may never be removed. I mean that I adore and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, that I venerate Him with confidence and will never cease to honor Him with my whole soul. Know that no human power, no torture will be able to extract from my heart so great a treasure. When the prefect replied that someone had certainly put such ideas into her very young and inexperienced head, a long dialogue ensued, Margaret striving to make him understand the reason for her confidence, and that God Himself gives replies to those who believe in Him when they are questioned, according to His own promise. Hearing her say that her Lord was not merely a man, but very genuinely God and Man at one same time, whose power was far above that of emperors, he became furious and sent her to be scourged, suspended in the air by her hands. Many spectators wept and begged her to have pity on herself. She replied: Illustrious gentlemen and noble ladies, do not weaken my courage, for as the Apostle said, bad conversation corrupts good habits. But I forgive you, because you act this way out of sympathy, and do not possess the true light... Cast into prison still alive, she was visited by a demon whom she put to flight by a sign of the cross; there followed a vision of the cross of salvation, accompanied by a voice exhorting her to persevere. When she was subjected to the torment of burning torches, she felt no pain. She continued under other ineffectual torments to exhort the spectators to understand who it was she adored, and finally was beheaded with a large number of those whom her words had caused to believe as she did.”
MICHELE PATRI
Senator
FEMALE SLAVES EXECUTED FOR JOINING THE FIRST SLAVE REBELLION IN ROME
“In the middle of the second century BC, a major rebellion took place in Sicily and dragged on for five years. It began when a Syrian slave named Eunus managed to convince hundreds of other abused and half-starved slaves that the goddess Atargatis had ordered him to lead them out of slavery. To his fellow slaves’ amazement, Eunus performed several “miracles.” One of these entailed producing fire from his mouth, which he apparently did by hiding a hollow nut filled with sulfur and pierced at both ends. His followers, of course, saw only the resulting flames, not the means he used to produce them. This fire trick was viewed as physical evidence of Eunus’ oracular abilities. He claimed that he could foretell the future because the gods visited him in his dreams, and as validation of this, flames shot forth from his mouth as he uttered this prophecy. Predicting that his movement would be successful, he soon had 60,000 followers. Under Eunus, rebel slaves set out to murder their masters and their families and to destroy Roman villages and towns. These rebels were soon joined by another large group of slaves led by Cleon. Eventually their numbers reached about 200,000. The Romans sent one army after another against the rebels, who consistently defeated the well-trained legions. Eunus felt confident enough to announce that the gods wanted him to be king. But the Romans finally beat the rebels, and many were tortured and crucified. It is reported that many young slave girls died on the cross in the public arenas for following their men and joining Eunus’ slave army. “King” Eunus died in prison, allegedly consumed by lice. It is doubtful that he was able to foretell – with and without the flames – such an end to his life.”
windar
Teller of Tales
So how come you complain all the time??"It is reported that many young slave girls died on the cross in the public arenas for following their men and joining Eunus’ slave army."
The consequences of rebellion must be accepted by those who do.