13 Christian Martyrs, Their Stories, And Their Faith

Middle Ages: 400 AD–1500 AD

After the establishment of Christianity as a state religion by Constantine, Europe and the Church lived through a period of relative religions and civil stability. Nations and states formed, yes, and some kings and princes ruled over lands – there were the crusades as a war against Muslims who had claimed Israel from Christians who had controlled the space for centuries. But in the Church itself, there wasn’t abuse or people dying left and right for the faith. But there were definitely a few…

Thomas Becket

Born to a family of merchants and landowners, Becket’s proficiency as a clerk gave him an opportunity to study. As bishop, he paid more attention to church duties and resigned his secular role as Lord Chancellor, seeking to set church apart from state. After excommunicating several bishops who submitted to the royal family, four knights murdered Becket on his way to a monastic prayer service. King Henry II himself was distraught, and publicly offered penance at Becket’s tomb just a few years later.

Joan of Arc

Born to a peasant family in north-east France, Joan of Arc claimed to receive visions from God instructing her to support Charles VII, the uncrowned king of France, whose land was under control of the English at the time. When Charles VII sent her to the siege of Orleans, she gained prominence on her success of only nine days. Several additional swift victories led to Charles VII’s coronation at Reims. She was eventually captured by a group of French nobles allied with the English and put on trial by a pro-English Bishop on a variety of charges. She was convicted and burned at the stake for heresy when she was only 19. Twenty-five years later, her case was reviewed by a court under Pope Callixtus III. The court saw clear political motivations and false testimony, recognizing her as an innocent martyr killed for her faith.