Name
Alexander, martyr of Bergamo, northern Italy
Saint ID
S01121
Number in BH
BHL 275, 276, 277
Reported Death Not Before
285
Reported Death Not After
310
Gender
Male
Type of Saint
Martyrs, Soldiers
| ID | Title | E01915 | The Latin Martyrdom of *Alexander (martyr of Bergamo, S01121) is written in three variant versions. A prologue, in two versions, defends and promotes the veneration of martyrs and their stories. The longest version narrates conversions performed by Maternus, bishop of Milan, including that of *Fidelis (martyr of Summus Lacus, S01484); together they visit imprisoned Christians, Alexander (a member of the Theban legion), Cassius, Severus, Secundus and Licinius in Milan; this triggers the conversion of the soldiers *Carpophorus and Exantius (martyrs of Como, S01485); all travel to Como and resurrect a man on the way; then Alexander leaves them. All versions agree for the final part: Alexander is arrested, flees to Bergamo and is found and executed after long prayers of blessings, and buried near the walls of Bergamo, where miracles still happen. Written probably in Bergamo, at an uncertain date, but by the 9th c. at the latest. | E04652 | The Latin Martyrdom of *Exantius, Carpophorus and Companions (martyrs of Como, S01485), after a narrative shared with the Martyrdom of *Alexander of Bergamo (E01915), narrates Fidelis’ travel to the vicus Summolacanus; the torture and martyrdom suffered in Silvula near Como (northern Italy) by Exantius, Carpophorus and their companions, and their burial there. Written presumably in northern Italy, possibly as part of a wider hagiographical cycle centred around Alexander, possibly in the 8th c. | E08363 | Seven relic labels from Cantù (north-west Italy), datable by their script to c. 700, for relics of various saints. Written in Latin, perhaps at Cantù, or possibly Rome or Milan. |
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