Perpetua
Her account is believed to be mostly autobiographical. The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas exemplifies the narratives of martyrdom in the third and fourth centuries.
A new mother and convert to Christianity, the wealthy Perpetua was arrested with her infant son. She was twenty two years old at the time of her trial and death. In an account she reportedly authored, she describes her ordeal in prison and the vision she receives from God that informs her of her impending death. At one point Perpetua is asked to make sacrifices to the Roman gods and when she refuses, she is condemned to death by the beasts.
The execution occurs on the day of Emperor Geta’s birthday
Date of martyrdom has been disputed, 203 CE being the traditionally accepted dating.
Next: Felicitas