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The Cult of Saints in Late Antiquity


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


Name

Exantius and Carpophorus and Companions, martyrs of Como

Saint ID

S01485

Number in BH

BHL 275-277; 2922-2923

Reported Death Not Before

285

Reported Death Not After

305

Gender
Male
Type of Saint
Martyrs
Related Evidence Records
IDTitle
E01915The 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.
E04651The Latin Martyrdom of *Fidelis (martyr of Summus Lacus, S01484) narrates the journey to Como (northern Italy) of Fidelis, Exantius and Carpophorus; Exantius and Carpophorus’ execution in Silvula near Como; Fidelis' travel to Vicus Summolacanum where he is found and tortured; the beheading of Felix in a place called Turriculus and a miraculous exorcism referring to the building of his tomb. Written presumably in northern Italy, possibly as part of a wider hagiographical cycle centred around *Alexander (martyr of Bergamo, S01121), possibly in the 8th c.
E04652The 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.