Origins and Development of the Martyr Cult in Egypt: Archaeological and Literary Insights into Coptic Martyria

During the severe persecution of the Early Christians by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, thousands of Christians in Egypt were martyred for their refusal to sacrifice to the pagan gods. The veneration of martyrs who were tortured and executed for their faith began in Egypt probably in the 4th century. The sites where the their relics were buried were considered sacred because of the belief in the miraculous powers. This paper examines the origin of Christian martyrium, and their connection to the early cult of martyrs in Egypt. In addition, the study explores two of the earliest examples of martyria in Egypt, and the veneration of Christian saints who were tortured, and martyred for their faith. Consequently, this paper examines the origin, development, and significance of Coptic martyria by analyzing two archaeological examples of early martyrs’ shrines in Egypt: the martyrium of Saint Menas, and the martyrium of Saint Colluthus. The study relies on literary and archaeological sources to study the early Egyptian martyrs, their martyrdom, the relics preserved in their shrines and the sanctity of these shrines as centers of pilgrimage. The primary aim of the study is to explore the origins and development of the martyr cult in Egypt, and the veneration of martyrs for their miracles. This study also seeks to identify the architectural layout and development of the shrines of early Christian martyr in Egypt. Given the scarcity of sources on Coptic martyria, this research will serve as a valuable resource for scholars in Coptic studies.