I'm not sure who the other fella is |
Sometime in the early fourth century, the proconsul of Cappadocia was sponsoring a chariot race in honor of Mars. His race too was interrupted, but he opted for a less patient solution than waiting.
Gordius, the source of the interruption, had been a centurion with the Roman garrison in Caesarea. His faith in Christianity forced his retirement when the persecution of Diocletian rolled around, but he must have been a popular NCO because no one denounced him. He was just allowed to slip quietly into the desert to live out his days as a hermit.
But he's in this picture too. |
The proconsul had him hauled off the track and delivered for questioning. Satisfied that Gordius was unwavering in his Christianity, the proconsul delayed the race long enough for everyone to walk outside the city and watch the torture and execution of the saint. They then went back to the stadium and honored Mars with some racing.
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