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The Cult of Saints in Late Antiquity


from its origins to circa AD 700, across the entire Christian world


Name

Cyprian, bishop and martyr of Carthage

Saint ID

S00411

Number in BH

BHL 2037-2041

Reported Death Not Before

258

Reported Death Not After

258

Gender
Male
Type of Saint
Martyrs, Bishops , Writers
Related Evidence Records
IDTitle
E00367Gregory of Tours writes the Glory of the Martyrs (Liber in Gloria Martyrum), in Latin in Tours (north-west Gaul), 580/594. Overview entry.
E00646Gregory of Tours, in his Glory of the Martyrs (93), describes an impressive pulpit in the church of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) in Carthage, and attributes its splendour to the assistance of the saint in crafting it. Written in Latin in Tours (north-west Gaul), 580/594.
E00801Prudentius, in his poem (Crowns of the Martyrs IV) on the *Eighteen Martyrs of Zaragoza (north-eastern Hispania, S00485), lists the saintly patrons of various places in Hispania, Gaul and North Africa, who will be presented by their cities at the Last Judgement, and singles out Zaragoza for special praise, because of the number of its martyrs. Written in Latin in Calahorra (northern Hispania), c. 400.
E00845Sulpicius Severus writes his Dialogues on *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, ob. 397, S00050), presenting him as a monk, bishop, and above all miracle-worker, superior to monks of Egypt. Written in Latin in Primuliacum (south-west Gaul), c. 404-406. Overview entry.
E00886Gregory of Nazianzus composes his Oration 24 in 379/380, which he delivers during a service held on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) in Constantinople. The author recounts the saint’s life using a version of the hagiographical legend of *Kyprianos and Ioustina (martyrs of Antioch, S00461). Composed in Greek at Constantinople.
E00916The Latin Life of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), describing his last days and martyrdom in 258, and also briefly his early life and episcopal activity, is written at Carthage, possibly by his deacon Pontius, and certainly before 359. Overview entry
E00966Gregory of Nazianzus in his Oration 24, On *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), of 379/380, mentions the miraculous discovery of the martyr’s relics, and reports miracles of exorcism, healing and prophesying performed by his 'dust'. Composed in Greek at Constantinople.
E00980The Latin Life of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) recounts how an officer and ex-Christian sought to obtain Cyprian's bloodstained garments; written in Latin at Carthage, possibly by his deacon Pontius, and certainly before 359. Written at Carthage, possibly by his deacon Pontius soon after Cyprian's death in 258; certainly before 359.
E00981The Latin Life of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) recounts his martyrdom. Written at Carthage, possibly by his deacon Pontius, soon after Cyprian's death in 258; certainly before 359.
E00982The Latin Life of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) emphasises that its hero gained both the crown of priesthood and martyrdom. Written at Carthage, possibly by his deacon Pontius soon after Cyprian's death in 258; certainly before 359.
E01018Augustine of Hippo in his Confessions (5.8.15) writes that in 383 his mother spent a night in the shrine (memoria) of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) close to the harbour of Carthage (central North Africa). Written in Latin in Hippo Regius (Numidia, central North Africa), 397/400.
E01034Augustine of Hippo, in his treatise Against Faustus, explains that the Christians venerate martyrs, such as the Apostles *Peter and *Paul (S00036 and S00008), and *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) as examples to imitate, but worship only God, even if they do it in places in which martyrs are commemorated. Written in Latin in Hippo (Numidia, central North Africa), c. 400.
E01052The Depositio Martirum, a list of burials of martyrs (primarily of Rome), gives both the day of the year and the place of their burial; from the so-called Chronography of 354, compiled in Latin in Rome, c. 354.
E01763Augustine of Hippo, in a sermon preached almost certainly in Carthage (central North Africa), invites the congregation to gather on the morrow at the table (mensa) of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), and also mentions a feast of unnamed martyrs which will be celebrated on the following day. Exposition on Psalm 80, delivered in Latin, 392/417.
E01767Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon, possibly at Hippo Regius (Numidia, central North Africa) and probably on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Exposition on Psalm 88 (Sermon 1), delivered in Latin, 392/417.
E01768Augustine of Hippo in a sermon preached at the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), probably in Hippo Regius (Numidia, central North Africa), invites his audience to celebrate the feast with sobriety. Exposition on Psalm 88 (Sermon 2), delivered in Latin, 392/417.
E01786Augustine of Hippo preaches two sermons at the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) in Carthage (central North Africa). Exposition 2 on Psalm 32 (Sermon 1), delivered in Latin, c. 403.
E01827Augustine of Hippo, in his Letter 140 of 412, refers to a sermon, preached the preceding year at Carthage (central North Africa) at the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Written in Latin.
E01828Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon at the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) in Carthage (central North Africa). Exposition on Psalm 85, delivered in Latin, possibly in 401/411.
E01852Augustine of Hippo, in his Letter 25* of c. 419, informs his correspondents in Carthage that he has celebrated in Hippo Regius the feast of an unnamed martyr, probably *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00060); all in central North Africa. Written in Latin in Hippo.
E01854Augustine of Hippo, in his Letter 29*, declines a request from Paulinus of Milan to write stories about martyrs, similar to those composed by Ambrose of Milan and the author of the Martyrdom of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), since he lacks the evidence to do this. Written in Latin, probably in Hippo Regius (Numidia, central North Africa), early 5th c.
E01924Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon in Carthage (central North Africa), at the altar of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411); he mentions the joint feast of the Apostles *Peter and *Paul (S00036, and S00008). Sermon 8, delivered in Latin, possibly in 411.
E01942According to lemmas in medieval manuscripts, several sermons of Augustine of Hippo, in which no specific saints are mentioned, were delivered in the cult places of various martyrs in Carthage at various moments between 391 and 430.
E01974Victor of Vita, in his History of the Vandal Persecution (1.16), states that Geiseric, king of the Vandals, after his conquest in 439 of Carthage (central North Africa), confiscated for use by the Arian church two of the city's extramural churches, both dedicated to *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), one over the place where he was martyred, the other over his body. Written in Latin, probably in Carthage, 484/489.
E02011Gregory of Tours, in his Histories (1.25), mentions several 1st, 2nd, and 3rd c. martyrs, namely *Peter (the Apostle, S00036), *Paul (the Apostle, S00008), *James ('the brother of the Lord', S00058), *Mark (the Evangelist, S00293), *Stephen (the first martyr, S00030), *Clemens/Clement (bishop of Rome, martyr of the Crimea, S00111), *Symeon (bishop and martyr of Jerusalem, S01139), *Ignatios, (bishop of Antioch and martyr of Rome, S00649), *Iustinus (philosopher and martyr of Rome, S01140), *Polycarp (bishop and martyr of Smyrna, S00004), *Cornelius (bishop and martyr of Rome, S00172), and *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Written in Latin in Tours (north-west Gaul), 575/594.
E02200Calendar of the Church of Carthage (central North Africa) lists saints whose liturgical commemorations were celebrated in September. Written in Latin in Carthage, probably between 505 and 535.
E02248Isidore, bishop of Seville in his De ecclesiasticis officiis explains the role of the cult of the martyrs in the doctrine of the Church, warning that the martyrs should not receive honours that are due only to God; written in Latin in Seville (south-west Hispania), in 598/636.
E02738Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon for the feast of *Laurence (deacon and martyr of Rome, S00037). Sermon 305, delivered in Latin in Carthage (central North Africa), at the shrine of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), possibly in 413.
E02740Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon for the feast of *Laurence (deacon and martyr of Rome, S00037), briefly retelling his story, emphasising his fame in the city of Rome and other places, and admonishing his audience against indecent ways of celebrating feats. Sermon 305A, delivered in Latin in Carthage (central North Africa), possibly around 401.
E02818Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the eve of the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 308A, delivered in Latin at Carthage (central North Africa), in the Basilica Mappalia, possibly in 397.
E02834Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 309, delivered in Latin, probably in Carthage (central North Africa), sometime between 391 and 430.
E02839Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), emphasising that the Church celebrates the days of martyrs' deaths and not those on which they were born. He also claims that Cyprian, venerated above all in Carthage, is known in many other regions, because of both his martyrdom and his writings. Sermon 310, delivered in Latin, probably in Hippo Regius (Numidia, central North Africa), sometime between 391 and 430.
E02842Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) in which he mentions an old custom of singing and dancing at the feasts of martyrs, including Cyprian, to which the then bishop of Carthage [who can be identified with Aurelius] put an end. Sermon 311, delivered in Latin at Carthage (central North Africa), possibly around 405.
E02859Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) in which he presents martyrs as conquerors over demons and urges the audience to celebrate the feast day in sobriety. Sermon 312, delivered in Latin, probably in Carthage (central North Africa), sometime between 391 and 430, perhaps c. 417.
E02865Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 313, delivered in Latin, probably in Carthage (central North Africa), sometime between 391 and 430.
E02878Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 313A, delivered in Latin at the shrine of the saint in Carthage (central North Africa), sometime between 391 and 430.
E03259Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 313B, delivered in Latin at the shrine of the saint in Carthage (central North Africa), sometime between 391 and 430.
E03260Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 313C, delivered in Latin in Carthage (central North Africa), possibly in 396/410.
E03261Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 313D, delivered in Latin, probably in Carthage (central North Africa), sometime between 391 and 430.
E03305Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), presenting him as a witness of the faith, both by his life and martyrdom, and arguing that the Donatist suicides, venerated by their congregations, are not martyrs. Sermon 313E, delivered in Latin, possibly in Hippo Regius (Numidia, central North Africa), sometime before 411.
E03369Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon, probably on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Sermon 313F, delivered in Latin at Carthage (central North Africa), in the basilica of Mappalia, possibly at the end of the 390s.
E03498Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon on the feast of *Eulalia (virgin and martyr of Mérida, S00407), in which he also mentions other martyrs, all of them from Africa. Sermon 313G, delivered in Latin, probably in Hippo Regius (Numidia, central North Africa) in the early 410s.
E03509The Lives of the Fathers of Mérida (4.10), tells the story of a woman, a debtor of Bishop Fidelis (c. 560-570). Fidelis, seriously ill, lies in the basilica of *Eulalia (virgin and martyr of Mérida, S00407) and remits debts, returning pledges; the woman, however, is unable to receive her remission because of the great crowd; at home, she has a vision of the martyrs *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) and *Laurence, (deacon and martyr of Rome, S00037) who say that she failed because she never visited their basilicas. Written in Latin in Mérida (south-west Spain), 633/680.
E03755The Church Calendar of Ioane Zosime, compiled in Georgian in the 10th c., based however on 5th-7th c. prototypes from Palestine, commemorates on 30 May *Katanos and Nistheros (anchorites, S01747), *Didymos (martyr of Alexandria under Diocletian and Maximian, S02549), and *Cyprian (probably the bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411).
E03886The Church Calendar of Ioane Zosime, compiled in Georgian in the 10th c., based however on 5th-7th c. prototypes from Palestine, commemorates on 5 October, at the church of *Mary (Mother of Christ, S00033), *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S,00411), *Thomas (the Apostle, S00199), and *Aaron (first High Priest, brother of Moses, S01427)
E04223Prudentius, in his poem (Crowns of the Martyrs XI) on *Hippolytus (martyr of Rome, S00509), tells of the feast of the saint in Rome on 13 August, and asks Bishop Valerianus of Calahorra, to whom this poem is dedicated, to introduce the feast on this day into Spain; he also mentions the feasts of *Eulalia (virgin and martyr of Mérida, S00407), *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), and *Chelidonius (soldier and martyr of Calahorra, companion of Emeterius, S00410). Written in Latin in Calahorra (northern Spain), c. 400.
E04335Cassiodorus in 527, writing in the name of King Athalaric (Variae 8.33), orders better protection for merchants visiting a rural fair held on the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) at 'Leucothea', near the town of Consilinum (southern Italy). Written in Latin, probably at Ravenna (northern Italy).
E04353Prudentius writes Crowns of the Martyrs XIII, a poem on the martyrdom of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), with an account of the martyrdom of Cyprian and of the *Martyrs of Massa Candida (S00904). Written in Latin in Calahorra (northern Spain), c. 400. Overview of Peristephanon XIII.
E04417Prudentius, in his poem (Crowns of the Martyrs XIII) on *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), tells how a tomb was raised for the martyr and his ashes were consecrated. Written in Latin in Calahorra (northern Spain), c. 400.
E04512Augustine of Hippo preaches a sermon at the burial of a bishop, or at its anniversary, reflecting on the model, role and sanctity of bishops. Sermon 335K, delivered in Latin in an unknown city of central North Africa, sometime between 391 and 430.
E04548Augustine of Hippo, in a sermon preached in Carthage (central North Africa), tells how Bishop Aurelius has ended the old ways of celebrating vigils when even at the memorial shrine of Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) men mixed with women and immodest songs were sung. Sermon Dolbeau 2, delivered in Latin, the day after the feast of *Vincent (deacon and martyr of Zaragoza and Valencia, S00290), probably in 404.
E04767Paulinus of Nola, in many of his fourteen poems (the Natalicia) written in honour of *Felix (priest and confessor of Nola, S00000), identifies Felix as the special protector (patronus) of Nola (southern Italy); the similar role of other saints, in other regions, is detailed in Natalicium 11. Written in Latin, in Spain and later Nola, between 395 and 408.
E04951The 6th/7th c. recension of the Latin Martyrologium Hieronymianum, as transmitted in 8th c. manuscripts, records the feasts of a number of saints on 14 September.
E05149Hymn in honour of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage S00411) composed in Latin in Spain, possibly in the 7th c.
E05168The Latin Martyrdom of Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), based on the minutes of his trial in Carthage (central North Africa) in 257-8, recounts the dialogue between Cyprian and his judge, and the martyr's death and burial. Written probably in Carthage, soon after 258.
E05169The Latin Calendar of Sinai records the feasts of saints through the year, followed by a list of the apostles to various regions of Christianity. Written possibly in North Africa, possibly in the 7th/8th c.; preserved in a manuscript, probably of the 9th c., in St Catherine's monastery, Sinai. Basic Entry.
E05321Maximus of Turin preaches a sermon (Sermon 10) for the feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Delivered in Latin in Turin (northern Italy), between c. 397 and 408/423.
E05619Bede, in his Martyrology, records the feast on 14 September of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Written in Latin at Wearmouth-Jarrow (north-east Britain), 725/731.
E05859The Calendar of Willibrord, in its earliest version, records the feasts of various saints in September. Written in Latin at Echternach, Frisia (north-east Gaul), 703/710.
E06046Mosaics in the nave of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna (northern Italy) depicting twenty-two female saints, preceded by the three Magi, processing towards the Virgin and Child, and twenty-six male saints, probably originally preceded by *Stephen (the First Martyr, S00030), processing towards Christ; created under Bishop Agnellus, 557/564.
E06245Venantius Fortunatus, in a poem on virginity (8.3), when describing the court of heaven lists numerous saints with the cities of their resting-place. Written in Latin in Gaul, probably in the early 570s.
E06336Gregory the Great in a papal letter (Register 2.50) of 592, to Petrus, sub-deacon and papal agent in Sicily, asks him to sail for Rome before the feast day of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Written in Latin in Rome.
E06365Gregory the Great in a papal letter (Register 6.19) of 595, to Dominicus, bishop of Carthage (central North Africa), suggests that they pray for each other before the bodies, respectively, of *Peter (the Apostle, S00036) and *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Written in Latin in Rome.
E06589The Latin Gelasian Sacramentary (or Liber Sacramentorum Romanae Ecclesiae), probably compiled around 750 near Paris using earlier material from Rome, records prayers to saints on their feast days in September.
E06992The De Locis Sanctis, a guide to the graves of the martyrs around Rome, lists those on the via Appia, south of the city. Written in Latin in Rome, 642/683.
E07120The prologue to a work in Latin on computing the date of Easter refers to the martyrdoms of *Peter (the Apostle, S00036) and *Paul (the Apostle, S00008), *Augustinus and Felicitas (martyrs of Capua, S01993), *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411), *Marcellinus and Petrus (martyrs of Rome, S00577), *Domnius (martyr of Salona, S01002), and Felix (martyr of Salona, S02978). Written in 395, probably in Italy, and known by various titles including the Prologus Paschae ad Vitalem, and the Short Chronicle.
E07535Mosaic inscription in Latin perhaps honouring *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Found in the baptistery of Kelibia (Byzacena, central North Africa). Second half of the 6th c.
E07882Procopius of Caesarea in the Wars (3.20.11-14) refers to the shrine and feast of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) at Carthage (central North Africa). The feast [on 14 September] and a violent storm which often coincided with it were known as Cypriana. The martyr’s shrine had been seized by the Arians in the time of Huneric [c. 480], and had been decked out for his feast; but it was repossessed by the Orthodox after the Battle of Ad Decimum [on 13 September 532]. The martyr had previously foretold the punishment of the Vandals through dream visions. Written in Greek in Constantinople by 545.
E07905Jerome, in his On illustrious men, states that *Cornelius (bishop and martyr of Rome, S00172) and *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411) died on the same day, although not the same year. Written in Latin in Bethlehem (Palestine), 392/393.
E07938The Latin Martyrdom of *Lucius, Montanus and their companions (S02404) is written, probably in Carthage (north Africa), possibly in the later third century. It recounts the martyrdom of a group of male martyrs, for the most part clergy, in May 259, and includes a letter written by them from prison.
E08151The Latin Martyrdom of *Maximilianus (military recruit, and martyr of Theveste, *S02924) recounts the saint's refusal to serve in the military and his consequent martyrdom, all in Theveste (Numidia, central North Africa) in 295; it then tells how a woman named Pompeiana obtained his body and took it to Carthage, to be buried near that of *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Written probably in the 4th century.
E08222The Gothic Missal compiles liturgical texts for the celebration of saints' feasts throughout the year. Written in Latin in Gaul, perhaps at Luxeuil for the Christian community of Autun, c. 680/710. Overview entry.
E08245The Gothic Missal includes prayers for the celebration of mass on the shared feast day of *Cornelius (bishop and martyr of Rome, S00172) and *Cyprian (bishop and martyr of Carthage, S00411). Written in Latin in Gaul, perhaps at Luxeuil for the Christian community of Autun, c. 680/710.
E0831535 relic labels at Sens (northern Gaul), datable by their script to the 7th or 8th c., for relics of a great diversity of saints. Written in Latin, perhaps at Sens, or at an earlier stage in their transmission.
E08361Fourteen relic labels discovered within the Sancta Sanctorum of the Lateran church of San Lorenzo in Palatio (Rome), datable by their script to the 7th or 8th c., for relics of various saints. One label claims that its relics have come from the monastery of Lérins (southern Gaul). Written in Latin, perhaps at Rome, or at an earlier stage in their transmission.