Ptolemy (martyr)
Ptolemy († around 165 in Rome ) was a Christian martyr .
The story of the martyrdom of Ptolemy gave rise to the second apology of Justine the Martyr , which he addressed to the Roman emperor; This apology also describes how the martyrdom came about. He reports how a Christian woman separated from her husband, who led an unrestrained life, whereupon the man denounced the woman to the Roman prefect Lollius Urbicus as a Christian. When the woman could not prove any concrete misconduct, Urbicus had Ptolemy, her Christian teacher, arrested. Thereupon a Lucius objected to the measure of the prefect, since there was nothing against Ptolemy and a conviction because of the Christian name alone was unlawful. When Urbicus asked him whether he also belonged to the Christians, the latter answered in the affirmative, and a third person had joined him. Ptolemy, Lucius and the unnamed third were then executed.
The martyrdom of Ptolemy and his two companions was placed in Alexandria by Bede , an Anglo-Saxon Benedictine monk and historian, but it actually took place in Rome. Since Justin was executed in 165, Ptolemy's martyrdom must have taken place a little earlier. The feast day of the martyr venerated as a saint is October 19th .
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Ptolemy |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Martyr and saint |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 1st century or 2nd century |
| DATE OF DEATH | at 165 |
| Place of death | Rome |