Blood of Martyrs: Unintended Consequences of Ancient Violence

In The Blood of Martyrs Joyce E. Salisbury chronicles the many spectacles of violent martyrdom that took place during the first three centuries of the Christian era, describing the role of martyrdom in the development of the early Church, as well as its continuing influence on many of today's ideas.

Salisbury shows through the engaging stories of the martyrs introduced in each chapter, how their legacy continues to shape contemporary ideas. Discussing modern martyrdom the book elicits deep lessons for the present from the ancient past and outlining the possibility of a religious future without violence.

In The Blood of Martyrs, Salisbury brings to life this tumultuous time in late antiquity and sheds invaluable light on religious violence, modern martyrs, and self-sacrifice.

Joyce E. Salisbury holds the Frankenthal Professorship in History at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay. She is the author of ten books, including the critically acclaimed Perpetua’s Passion (Routledge 1997).