The Testament of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste: A Forgery?

The Testament of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste is a document whose authenticity has been debated for decades, but has remained unresolved. Here the Testament is analysed in detail and it is shown that its central issue is the martyrs' request not to disseminate their relics. In addition, the earliest...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Ecclesiastical History Vol. 77; no. 2; pp. 259 - 276
Autor principal: DŹWIGAŁA, KATARZYNA MARIA
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Cambridge University Press Apr2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:The Testament of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste is a document whose authenticity has been debated for decades, but has remained unresolved. Here the Testament is analysed in detail and it is shown that its central issue is the martyrs' request not to disseminate their relics. In addition, the earliest sources relating to the cult of the Forty Martyrs are presented and recent studies on the beginnings of the cult of relics are cited. On this basis it is shown that the Testament is spurious.