Martyr worship is an important element of the Christian faith and was essential both for the internal cohesion of the faith group in its early founding phase as well as for its effective portrayal to the outside world, which was used for the conversion of non-Christians.This volume considers the evidence of martyr worship and demonstrateshow the cult and worship of martyrs prevailed in LateAntiquity, culturally shaped society and how the idea of martyrworship still has a stylistic impact today. The "martyrs" of 9/11 are examples of this long line of continuity, when one compares the early lives of the Saints with modern Islamic websites.

Silke-Petra Bergjan (Professor of Church and Theological History) and Beat Näf (Professor of Ancient History) conductresearch and lecture at the University of Zurich.